The aroma of Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses and making your stomach rumble. These golden-brown meatballs, bursting with flavors, are like a Mediterranean vacation on a plate, ready to whisk you away from your busy life. BBQ Chicken Sliders. For more inspiration, check out this Air Fryer Chicken Recipes recipe.
Picture this: friends gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as they savor each bite of these delightful meatballs. The zesty lemon orzo dances alongside them like it’s auditioning for a foodie talent show. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser and a memory-maker.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Greek chicken meatball recipe is ridiculously easy to whip up, so you can impress without stress
- The flavor explosion will have your taste buds singing in harmony
- The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach
- Versatile enough for any occasion, you’ll want to serve it again and again
I still remember the first time I made Greek chicken meatballs; my friends devoured them in minutes and begged for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Chicken: Look for lean ground chicken for juicy meatballs without excess fat.
- Fresh Parsley: Use vibrant green parsley to add freshness and color to your dish.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a creamy tang that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; choose firm cloves for maximum flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Grated zest brightens the meatballs and adds an aromatic citrus note.
- Orzo Pasta: Use small pasta shells that cook quickly and soak up all the lemony goodness.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances flavor and promotes browning.
- Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add richness and crunch; don’t skip these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped parsley, crumbled feta, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Garlic Herb Chicken Recipe Mix until everything is well incorporated but don’t overdo it. Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl.
Scoop and Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet while you preheat your oven.
Cook the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through, releasing mouthwatering aromas into your kitchen.
Boil Your Orzo Pasta: While the meatballs are baking, bring salted water to a boil in another pot. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente; drain well.
Create Your Lemon Sauce: In the same pot used for orzo, combine drained pasta with olive oil, juice from one lemon, salt, and pepper. Toss gently until all ingredients are mixed beautifully.
Serve It Up!: On plates or bowls, place a generous portion of lemon orzo topped with those glorious Greek chicken meatballs. Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for an extra crunch and watch everyone dive in!
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
Start by searing the chicken meatballs until golden brown, then cook the lemon orzo while preparing your sauce. This method ensures everything finishes at the same time and retains maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in ground turkey or lamb for a twist. You can also add spinach or feta into the meatballs for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep everything moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for vibrant flavors that brighten up every bite
- Avoid overcooking the chicken meatballs to keep them juicy and tender
- Always taste your lemon orzo before serving to adjust seasoning as needed for perfect balance
There was that one unforgettable evening when I made Greek chicken meatballs for friends, and they couldn’t stop raving about them! It turned into a small party, complete with impromptu dancing in my kitchen.
FAQ
How can I make Greek chicken meatballs gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs for a tasty alternative.
Can I freeze Greek chicken meatballs?
Yes, freeze them before cooking; just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy!
What can I serve with lemon orzo?
Pair it with a fresh salad or grilled veggies for a balanced meal experience!
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo deliver a taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. These juicy, flavor-packed meatballs are complemented by zesty lemon orzo, making them a perfect dish for gatherings or family dinners. With fresh ingredients like parsley and feta, they are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, this recipe transforms any meal into a celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, parsley, feta, garlic, and lemon zest until combined.
- Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- While meatballs bake, boil salted water and cook orzo according to package instructions; drain.
- In the same pot, combine orzo with olive oil, juice from one lemon, salt, and pepper; toss gently.
- Serve orzo topped with meatballs and sprinkle with pine nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg