Greek Chicken Meatballs With Lemon Orzo Recipe

If you’re craving a Mediterranean-inspired dinner that’s fresh, vibrant, and delightfully comforting, you have to try greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo. Juicy, tender chicken meatballs full of herbs and feta nestle on a bed of perfectly cooked orzo, all brought to life with the brightness of fresh lemon. It’s a complete meal that feels both special and easy, bursting with flavor from every ingredient. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this dish adds a joyful, sunny touch to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo is in its simplicity — each ingredient plays an essential role, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. You don’t need anything fancy: just a handful of fresh herbs, pantry staples, and a squeeze of lemon to make this dish shine.

• Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it takes on all the vibrant flavors and keeps the meatballs juicy.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder to keep those meatballs tender and together.
• Breadcrumbs (plain or panko): Adds structure and a light texture.
• Olive oil: Infuses flavor and ensures a beautiful golden sear on every meatball.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Sneaks salty, creamy pockets into each bite for classic Greek flair.
• Fresh parsley (finely chopped): Brings a bright, herbaceous kick.
• Dried oregano: Lends that signature Mediterranean aroma and depth.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Adds savoriness and warmth throughout the dish.
• Lemon (zest and juice): Delivers zippy brightness to both the meatballs and orzo.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
• Orzo pasta: The perfect little pasta shape to soak up the lemony sauce and cradle the meatballs.
• Chicken broth (or water): For cooking the orzo, adding a savory base.
• Butter (or olive oil): Melts into the orzo for added richness and silkiness.
• Fresh dill (optional, for garnish): Brings a hint of anise flavor and a burst of color.
• Extra toppings (parsley, dill, feta, lemon wedges): Great for adding a final flourish and customizing each plate.

How to Make greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo

Step 1: Mix & Form the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, parsley, oregano, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands — you want it just combined so the meatballs stay light and tender. Once the mixture is blended, scoop out balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. This size helps them cook evenly and stay juicy inside while crisping nicely outside. Aim for 16-20 meatballs, using a small scoop or your hands for consistency.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if you need to). Sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning occasionally—they should get a gorgeous golden-brown color and cook through to 165°F inside. When they’re done, transfer the meatballs to a plate and cover lightly to keep them warm while you make the orzo.

Step 3: Cook the Lemon Orzo

While your kitchen fills with the aroma of Greek spices, get the orzo started. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan and stir in the orzo. Cook according to the package (usually about 8-10 minutes), giving it the occasional stir so nothing sticks. When it’s just-tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, drain any excess. Return the orzo to the pan; add butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic. Stir it all together—the butter will melt into a silky, lemony sauce that clings to every bit of pasta. Taste and season with salt and pepper so every bite sings.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Time for the best part: building those gorgeous bowls. Spoon the lemon orzo evenly among your plates. Nestle 4-5 greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo on top of each serving. Sprinkle generously with extra fresh parsley, dill, or feta, and tuck a lemon wedge on the side for those who crave a little extra zing. It’s a platter made for sharing and savoring!

How to Serve greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo

Garnishes

The finishing touches really elevate the greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo. Shower your dish with fresh herbs like parsley and dill for a pop of color and fragrance. A crumble of feta on top doubles down on the creamy, tangy notes. And, of course, a wedge or two of lemon lets every diner dial up the brightness to taste, bringing out the sunny flavors in every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines as an all-in-one meal, but if you’re in the mood to add something else, a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. A simple side of roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, adds even more color and goodness. For something lighter, toasted pita triangles and a creamy tzatziki sauce are always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo for guests? Try arranging the meatballs family-style on a bed of orzo in a large, shallow platter. Finish with lots of herbs and lemon slices for a show-stopping centerpiece. Or pack the orzo and meatballs into meal prep containers for the most envy-worthy lunches. You can even tuck the meatballs into pita bread with a scoop of orzo for a fun, hand-held version!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature and transfer them to airtight containers. The orzo and meatballs keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making this recipe a fantastic meal prep option. Store the garnishes separately if possible and add them fresh right before eating.

Freezing

The greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo are freezer-friendly, too! For best results, freeze the cooked meatballs separately on a tray until solid, then pop them into a zip-top bag or container. The orzo can also be frozen, though it tends to soften slightly when thawed. Use within two months for best taste and texture. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For a quick reheat, warm the meatballs and orzo together in the microwave, drizzling with a bit of water or broth to keep them moist. Alternatively, gently heat both in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth until hot throughout. This helps preserve the flavors and ensures the orzo stays creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I substitute turkey for ground chicken in the meatballs?

Absolutely! Lean ground turkey works just as well in this recipe, providing a similar texture and flavor profile. Just be sure to check for doneness as turkey tends to dry out a bit quicker, but with all the herbs and feta, you’ll still get wonderfully juicy meatballs.

Is it possible to make greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo gluten free?

Definitely. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and swap the orzo for a gluten-free small pasta (or even rice or quinoa). All the other ingredients are naturally gluten free!

Can I bake the Greek chicken meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, baking is a great hands-off alternative! Arrange the formed meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 18-20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through to 165°F. They won’t get quite as crispy as pan-seared, but they’ll still be tender and flavorful.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

If you prefer not to use feta, try soft goat cheese for a similar tangy creaminess. Or, simply leave it out — the herbs and seasonings will still make flavorful meatballs, and you can always add more fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon as a finishing touch.

How do I scale the recipe for a crowd?

Doubling or even tripling this recipe is a breeze! Just use a large mixing bowl for the meatball mixture, cook in batches if needed, and use a bigger pot for your orzo. Assemble everything on a big serving platter and let everyone help themselves at the table.

Final Thoughts

The next time you want a meal that’s both comforting and full of lively flavor, make a big batch of greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo. It’s a dish that’s bound to earn rave reviews and happy requests for seconds. Give it a try and let the Mediterranean sunshine in — I can’t wait for you to experience how special this recipe really is!

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