Zesty Cranberry & Goat Cheese Chicken Meatballs with Orzo Recipe

Tucking tangy goat cheese into succulent cranberry chicken meatballs creates a remarkable flavor explosion that’ll spark curiosity.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in this unexpected culinary adventure.

Tender meatballs nestle atop silky orzo, promising a delightful meal that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Zesty lemon and garlic whisper complexity into each bite.

Weeknight dinners rarely look this sophisticated yet remain wonderfully approachable.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate the elegant simplicity.

What Makes Cranberry & Goat Cheese Chicken Meatballs So Flavorful

• Elevate Weeknight Cooking: A gourmet twist on classic meatballs that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary and delicious.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: One-pan recipe with simple ingredients that delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or extensive cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines tangy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, and zesty lemon for a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime exciting and delightful.
• Nutritious and Balanced Meal: Protein-packed chicken meatballs paired with orzo create a well-rounded dinner that offers wholesome ingredients and satisfying flavors in every bite.

Goat Cheese Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: Lean meat that forms the base of the meatballs.
• Egg: Binding agent for the meatball mixture.

• Cranberries: Adds sweet-tart burst of flavor.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy ingredient.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind and lighten the meatballs.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle sharp taste.
• Thyme: Adds herbal note to the meatballs.
• Minced Garlic: Enhances overall flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings for balanced taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps meatballs brown and stay moist.

• Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta base.
• Butter: Adds richness to the orzo.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings bright citrus flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, umami finish.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh herbal garnish.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Chicken Meatballs with Orzo Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Meatball Magic

• Ground chicken
• Dried cranberries
• Creamy goat cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently combine everything with your hands, being careful not to overmix. You want the meatballs tender and light.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Morsels

Roll the mixture into small, uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with some breathing room between each one. Drizzle a touch of olive oil over the top for extra golden crispiness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the meatballs turn a beautiful golden brown. They’re done when the internal temperature hits 165°F – food safety is key!

Step 5: Cook Silky Orzo

Follow the package instructions to cook the orzo until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain and set aside, ready to become a flavor canvas.

Step 6: Whip Up Lemon Garlic Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it fills your kitchen with an aromatic fragrance.

Step 7: Dress the Orzo

• Bright lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Remove from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Spread the lemony orzo on plates. Crown it with the warm, juicy meatballs. For an extra touch, sprinkle some crumbled goat cheese and fresh parsley on top. Your culinary masterpiece is ready to devour!

Meatball Tips That Bring Cranberry and Goat Cheese to Chicken

• Maximize Moisture: Avoid overmixing the meatball ingredients to keep the chicken tender and prevent tough, dense meatballs.
• Perfect Cheese Distribution: Crumble goat cheese into small pieces for even flavor throughout each meatball.
• Prevent Burning: Drizzle olive oil lightly over meatballs to help them brown evenly without drying out.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked meatballs.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Add extra lemon zest to the orzo for a brighter, more vibrant citrus taste that complements the tangy goat cheese.

Preserve Cranberry & Goat Cheese Chicken Meatballs

• Store meatballs and orzo separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place meatballs and orzo on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring orzo between cycles. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Spread meatballs on baking sheet. Add splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving.

Great Pairings for Cranberry Chicken Meatballs

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy goat cheese and bright lemon flavors, cutting through the richness of the meatballs.
• Elevate with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a zesty side salad dressed with light vinaigrette, adding peppery greens that balance the meatballs' sweetness and provide refreshing contrast.
• Match with Herbed Roasted Vegetables: Prepare roasted carrots or brussels sprouts with thyme and rosemary, echoing the herb notes in the meatballs and creating a harmonious vegetable accompaniment.
• Enhance with Cranberry Spritzer: Mix cranberry juice, sparkling water, and a touch of lime for a non-alcoholic drink that mirrors the cranberry in the meatballs and provides a light, refreshing palate cleanser.

Goat Cheese Meatball Styles

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace goat cheese with dairy-free almond cheese and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Use olive oil in place of butter for the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use tamari instead of Dijon mustard to maintain flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce cranberries and use less starchy vegetables to keep carbohydrate content low.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add chopped kalamata olives to meatballs. Replace thyme with oregano and incorporate crumbled feta cheese instead of goat cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.

FAQs

• Can I use turkey instead of chicken for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute and will give similar texture and flavor to the meatballs.

• How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Use fresh breadcrumbs and don’t overmix the meat mixture. Gently combine ingredients and avoid compressing the meat too tightly when forming meatballs.

• Is goat cheese necessary for this recipe?

While goat cheese adds unique tanginess, you can substitute with feta or cream cheese if needed. Each will provide a different but delicious flavor profile.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

Cranberry & Goat Cheese Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cranberry & goat cheese chicken meatballs dance with zesty lemon garlic orzo, creating a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors. Savory, tangy, and comforting, this dish promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground chicken

Filling and Cheese:

• 1/3 cup (53 grams) dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) goat cheese, crumbled

Binding and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal meatball roasting.
2. Craft the meatball foundation by gently blending ground chicken with tangy cranberries, creamy goat cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, aromatic garlic, zesty Dijon mustard, earthy thyme, and seasoning until ingredients are just integrated.
3. Shape the mixture into uniform 1-inch spheres, carefully arranging them on the lined baking sheet and lightly drizzling with olive oil for enhanced golden coloration.
4. Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, ensuring they develop a rich golden exterior and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Simultaneously, prepare orzo according to package instructions, cooking until perfectly tender yet firm, then drain and set aside.
6. Create a luxurious sauce base by melting butter in a large skillet, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to release its fragrant essence for approximately one minute.
7. Incorporate the cooked orzo into the skillet, elevating the dish with bright lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and complementary seasonings, then finish by folding in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
8. Plate the herbed orzo as a luscious bed for the warm meatballs, optionally garnishing with additional crumbled goat cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for visual and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Gently mix meatball ingredients to prevent tough texture, ensuring a light and tender result.
• Use fresh cranberries for a burst of tartness or substitute dried cranberries for a sweeter profile.
• Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Consider using ground turkey as an alternative protein if chicken is unavailable, maintaining similar flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg