Name: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tbsp parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup orzo pasta; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste

Description

These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo offer a flavorful and healthy twist on classic meatballs, combining tender ground chicken with traditional Mediterranean ingredients like feta, oregano, and fresh parsley. Served atop bright, lemon-infused orzo pasta, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp oregano
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Orzo

1/2 cup orzo pasta
1 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs evenly.
Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake them in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are completely cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Cook the Orzo: While the meatballs are baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the orzo well, then transfer to a bowl. Toss with olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and salt to taste, ensuring the orzo is evenly coated and flavorful.
Assemble the Dish: Plate the lemon-infused orzo pasta and top with the warm Greek chicken meatballs. Optionally garnish with extra parsley or feta for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Mediterranean meal!

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten free.
For extra flavor, add minced garlic to the meatball mixture.
If you don’t have orzo, couscous or rice can be used as alternatives.
Leftover meatballs and orzo can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.