Quick & Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Succulent Greek chicken meatballs dance with zesty flavors that promise an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Juicy ground meat mingles with herbs and spices, creating a Mediterranean masterpiece.

Crumbled feta cheese adds creamy richness to each perfectly seasoned bite.

Bright lemon notes weave through the dish, awakening your palate with tangy freshness.

Soft orzo pasta serves as a delightful companion, absorbing the incredible sauce’s essence.

Weeknight dinners never looked so elegant or tasted so remarkable.

Let’s whip up this simple yet impressive meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

What Makes Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Great

• Combine Greek and Mediterranean tastes in one simple dish that brings exciting, bold flavors without complicated cooking techniques.
• Prepare a nutritious and delicious dinner that appeals to both adults and kids, with protein-packed chicken meatballs and zesty lemon orzo that everyone will enjoy.
• Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that feels gourmet but requires minimal culinary skills, making home cooking feel special and sophisticated.
• Personalize the recipe by adding extra herbs, swapping cheese types, or serving with different side dishes, allowing flexibility for personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

• Ground Chicken: Lean and flavorful base for the meatballs.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together.

• Feta Cheese, Red Onion, Garlic: Adds classic Greek tang and depth.
• Parsley, Dill, Oregano: Fresh herbs that provide Mediterranean seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for basic seasoning.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together and adds texture.

• Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta for the base.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich cooking liquid for the orzo.
• Olive Oil: Adds smoothness and flavor.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings bright citrus notes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy, salty finish.

• Parsley, Feta Cheese: Fresh topping for extra flavor and presentation.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Step-by-Step

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Chicken Meatballs

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Red onion
• Garlic
• Feta cheese
• Parsley
• Dill
• Oregano
• Beaten egg
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients bind together perfectly.

Shape the mixture into cute round meatballs, approximately golf ball sized.

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Gently place meatballs into the pan, ensuring they aren’t crowded.

Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are fully cooked through.

Transfer meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 2: Prepare Zesty Lemon Orzo

Pour chicken broth into a medium saucepan and bring to a rolling boil.

Add orzo and cook following package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes until tender yet firm.

Drain orzo and return to the pan.

• Olive oil
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley

Stir ingredients together and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 3: Create a Delightful Plate

Nestle golden meatballs atop the bright, lemony orzo.

Sprinkle additional chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese for extra pizzazz.

Consider serving alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp Greek salad to complete your meal.

Helpful Tips for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

• Mix the ground chicken and other ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make meatballs tough and dense.
• Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform meatball sizes for even cooking and attractive presentation.
• Cook meatballs in batches to maintain proper heat and achieve a golden-brown exterior without steaming them.
• Use fresh parsley and dill instead of dried herbs to enhance the meatballs' bright, authentic Greek taste and aroma.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.

Storing and Reheating Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

• Store leftover meatballs and orzo in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between meatballs to prevent sticking.
• Wrap meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate orzo into portion-sized containers and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Place meatballs and orzo on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring orzo between each interval, until warmed through.
• Warm meatballs in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium-low heat. Reheat orzo in a saucepan with a splash of broth, stirring gently to restore moisture and prevent clumping.

Best Pairings for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Assyrtiko from Santorini or a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemon and herb notes in the chicken meatballs and orzo.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Create a side spread with tzatziki, hummus, olives, and warm pita bread to enhance the Greek-inspired flavors and provide delightful texture contrast.
• Fresh Greek Salad Companion: Toss together a classic horiatiki salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and creamy feta to balance the savory meatballs and add bright, tangy elements.
• Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: Prepare a light, refreshing drink with muddled mint and lemon slices to cleanse the palate and echo the citrusy undertones of the dish.

Creative Spins on Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

• Vegetarian Meatball Option: Replace ground chicken with plant-based ground meat like lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. Use nutritional yeast instead of feta for protein and cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. Ensure all ingredients like broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Keep the Greek-inspired seasonings and meatball preparation method intact.
• Mediterranean Diet Version: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs, increase fresh herbs, add more extra virgin olive oil, and incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers into the meatball mixture.

FAQs

• What makes these meatballs different from traditional meatballs?

These Greek-style chicken meatballs are packed with Mediterranean flavors like feta cheese, dill, and oregano, creating a unique taste profile that sets them apart from classic Italian or American meatball recipes.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground chicken. The texture and flavor will be very similar, so you can easily swap the meats without changing the recipe’s core elements.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to maintain the meatballs’ binding and texture.

• How spicy are these meatballs?

These meatballs are not spicy at all. They have a bright, herbal flavor from the Mediterranean herbs like parsley, dill, and oregano, but no heat. If you want some spice, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek chicken meatballs dance with zesty lemon orzo, creating a Mediterranean symphony of flavors. Warm herbs, tangy feta, and juicy chicken combine in a delightful dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1 egg (beaten)

Cheese and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Meatball and Pasta Base:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Orzo Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the meatball mixture by thoroughly blending ground chicken with breadcrumbs, finely diced red onion, minced garlic, crumbled feta, chopped herbs, beaten egg, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Shape the seasoned mixture into uniform round meatballs approximately 1-1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F). Carefully place meatballs in the pan, avoiding overcrowding to maintain proper browning.
4. Sauté meatballs for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating gently to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for complete cooking.
5. While meatballs rest, bring chicken broth to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan and add orzo, cooking for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente.
6. Drain orzo and return to the saucepan, incorporating olive oil, vibrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and freshly chopped parsley.
7. Season orzo with salt and pepper, stirring to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
8. Plate the golden meatballs atop the zesty orzo, garnishing with additional parsley and optional crumbled feta.
9. Complement the dish with steamed vegetables or a crisp Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Ensure chicken meatballs are cooked thoroughly by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly option.
• Elevate protein content by adding grated zucchini or spinach into meatball mixture for extra nutrition and moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg