Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Name: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Elisa Levine

March 16, 2025

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This dish isn’t just food; it’s a love letter to evenings spent gathering around the table with family and friends. I still remember that one dinner party where these Greek chicken meatballs were the star of the show—people were raving about them for weeks! They’re perfect for summer barbecues or cozy winter nights when you need a little comfort.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This amazing greek chicken meatball recipe is easy to whip up even on busy weeknights
The bright flavors will make your taste buds sing joyfully
Not only do they taste phenomenal, but they also look gorgeous served alongside lemony orzo
Enjoy them as an appetizer or main dish; they’re incredibly versatile!

I’ll never forget the laughter and smiles at that dinner party as everyone devoured these delicious morsels.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Chicken: I prefer using lean ground chicken for juicy yet healthy meatballs that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
Fresh Parsley: Opt for vibrant green parsley to add freshness—not just flavor—to your dish.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a creamy tanginess that elevates each bite to another level.
Onion: Use finely chopped onion for sweetness and moisture in your meatballs while avoiding overpowering flavors.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic punch that makes everything taste better.
Lemon Zest: Don’t hold back on the zest; it brightens every element in this delightful recipe.
Orzo Pasta: Use small pasta shapes like orzo for easy twirling, soaking up all those delicious juices!
Chicken Broth: A splash of broth adds depth and richness to the lemon orzo, making it irresistible.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides healthy fats and enhances flavor throughout this Mediterranean feast.
Salt & Pepper: Season generously; these are essential to bring out all those fabulous flavors!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and chop onion, parsley, and garlic beforehand so you’re ready to mix everything together seamlessly.

Create the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, feta cheese, lemon zest, salt and pepper until well mixed.

Shape Those Meatballs: Use your hands to form small balls about 1-1.5 inches wide; be careful not to overwork them as you shape!

Sauté Until Golden: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides—about 8-10 minutes—while enjoying their delectable aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Cook Your Orzo: In another pot, bring chicken broth to boil and add orzo pasta. Cook until al dente—about 8-10 minutes—stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick together.

Add Lemon Flavor: Once cooked through, drain excess liquid from orzo then stir in fresh lemon juice and additional zest along with salt and pepper for zingy goodness.

Now plate up those beautiful golden-brown Greek Chicken Meatballs next to vibrant lemony orzo! Enjoy each bite while reminiscing about cherished memories—or creating new ones right around your dining table!

Serve these delightful bites hot with extra fresh herbs sprinkled on top if desired! They also pair perfectly with tzatziki sauce for dipping—a refreshing touch that’s sure to impress any guest at your dinner table!

You Must Know

This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken meatballs until golden brown, then cook the lemon orzo while the sauce simmers. This ensures everything finishes at the same time, keeping your kitchen and your sanity intact.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs like oregano for dill or add chopped spinach for extra nutrition. Personalizing this dish can make it uniquely yours, reflecting your taste buds’ whims!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep everything moist and delicious.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh herbs for an aromatic pop that dried ones simply can’t match
Don’t skip chilling the meatball mixture; it helps them hold their shape while cooking
Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust seasoning if needed for perfection

Sharing this recipe with friends during our last potluck was a delight! Everyone raved about how juicy and flavorful these meatballs were, and I couldn’t help but beam with pride.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well and still delivers great flavor in this recipe.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

What can I serve with Greek chicken meatballs?

Pair them with a fresh Greek salad or pita bread for a complete meal experience.

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