Go Back

Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

A delightful Mediterranean dish featuring juicy chicken meatballs paired with creamy lemon orzo, perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For Chicken Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground chicken Lean ground chicken for a lighter option.
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs For binding the meatballs.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds rich flavor.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Fresh herb flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano Classic Italian herb.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt To taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper To taste.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
For Lemon Orzo
  • 1 cup orzo pasta Small pasta for a creamy texture.
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth For cooking the orzo.
  • Juice of 1 lemon Adds brightness.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For added creaminess.
  • Salt and pepper to taste salt and pepper to taste For seasoning.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix everything together until just combined.
  3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Cooking
  1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  2. While the meatballs are baking, bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess liquid, then stir in the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Plate the lemon orzo, top with the baked meatballs, and garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

To ensure even-sized meatballs, make them all around the same size. Experiment with adding more herbs or sautéed vegetables to the orzo for additional flavor. Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in their juices and flavor.