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Irresistible Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo in 30 Min

Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

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Enjoy a taste of Greece with this recipe for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo. This dish features tender ground chicken meatballs paired with aromatic herbs and zesty lemon-infused orzo. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s easy to follow and uses wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Chicken Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • For the Lemon Orzo:
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Form Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
  4. Bake Meatballs: Bake the chicken meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
  5. Cook Orzo: While the meatballs are baking, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  6. Combine Orzo: Once cooked, drain any excess broth and return the orzo to the saucepan. Drizzle with olive oil, add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine the lemon orzo.
  7. Serve: Once the chicken meatballs are finished, remove them from the oven and serve them alongside the lemon orzo. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your delicious Greek-inspired meal!

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for the lemon orzo.
  • You can add other vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the orzo for extra nutrients and flavor.
  • If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley, but use half the amount.

Nutrition