Juicy Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Orzo Recipe

Mediterranean culinary magic happens when lemon chicken feta meatballs blend bold Mediterranean flavors into a single delectable dish.

Crushed herbs and zesty citrus create an irresistible combination that dances across your palate.

Tender chicken becomes the perfect canvas for tangy feta and bright lemon notes.

Fragrant garlic orzo provides a comforting backdrop to these succulent meatballs.

Crisp parsley and crumbled cheese add unexpected texture and depth to each compelling bite.

We promise this recipe will transport you straight to a sunny Greek coastal kitchen.

Savor every moment as you craft this extraordinary meal that celebrates simple, fresh ingredients.

Lemon Feta Chicken Meatballs & Orzo Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein for the meatballs.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly cheese that adds moisture.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help bind the meatball mixture together.
• Parsley, Lemon Zest, Garlic Powder: Provide fresh and aromatic seasonings.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning the meatballs.

• Orzo, Butter, Garlic: Base for the creamy pasta side dish.
• Parmesan Cheese, Lemon Juice: Add richness and bright flavor to the orzo.

Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Orzo Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Meatball Magic

• Ground chicken
• Crumbled feta
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon zest
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix everything until just blended – don’t overwork the mixture.

Step 3: Shape and Roast Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 16-18 perfectly round meatballs. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with some breathing room between each one. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked completely through.

Step 4: Prepare Silky Orzo

While meatballs are roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Craft Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its fragrant aroma, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Final Flavor Fusion

• Grated Parmesan
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Plate the garlicky orzo and crown it with your freshly baked meatballs. For an extra touch, garnish with additional parsley, crumbled feta, or a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Meatball Tips That Add Zesty Lemon and Garlic Orzo Charm

• Boost Meatball Moisture: Mix ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough meatballs. Overmixing can make chicken meatballs dry and compact, so blend just until ingredients are combined.
• Elevate Feta Flavor: Use high-quality crumbled feta for maximum tangy impact. Greek feta provides more authentic taste and better texture compared to pre-packaged versions.
• Perfect Baking Technique: Check internal meatball temperature reaching 165°F for safe chicken cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure thorough cooking without overdrying the meat.
• Orzo Texture Trick: Rinse orzo after cooking to prevent clumping and maintain separate, silky pasta grains. A quick cold water rinse helps remove excess starch for lighter, fluffier results.
• Lemon Zest Secret: Add fresh lemon zest directly into meatball mixture for bright, citrusy undertones. Zesting gives more intense flavor than just juice, enhancing the overall dish complexity.

Keeping Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs Fresh

• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate orzo and meatballs to prevent soggy texture.
• Wrap meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months for quick future meals.
• Place meatballs on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Spread meatballs on baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Ideal Sides for Feta Chicken Meatballs

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemon and feta notes in the meatballs, cutting through their richness with bright acidity.
• Match Mediterranean Salad: Create a refreshing Greek-style side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a light olive oil dressing to enhance the Mediterranean flavors of the dish.
• Boost with Herbal Tzatziki: Prepare a cool, tangy tzatziki sauce using Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, and garlic to provide a creamy contrast to the warm, lemony meatballs and add extra dimension to the meal.
• Serve Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty artisan bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce and provide a delightful textural element that complements the tender orzo and meatballs.

Chicken Feta Meatball Takes

• Gluten-Free Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain texture while keeping the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap feta cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Use olive oil instead of butter when preparing the orzo sauce to eliminate dairy completely.
• Vegetarian Transformation
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce breadcrumbs in meatballs and add extra herbs and spices to boost flavor profile while keeping the dish lighter and lower in carbohydrates.

FAQs

• What makes these meatballs different from traditional meatballs?

These meatballs use ground chicken instead of beef or pork, and incorporate tangy feta cheese for extra flavor, creating a lighter and more Mediterranean-inspired version of classic meatballs.

• Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, you can substitute dried parsley for fresh. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley for every 1/4 cup of fresh parsley called for in the recipe. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains breadcrumbs which typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

• How can I tell if the chicken meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to ensure they are safe to eat.

Why Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Orzo Shine

• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated meal that looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant dish without requiring professional cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick substitutions like ground turkey or different herbs, making it perfect for using what's already in your kitchen and catering to personal taste preferences.
• Quick Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein and flavor, these meatballs appeal to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout and delivers homemade comfort.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: One-pan baking method for meatballs and simple skillet technique for orzo mean less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious meal with loved ones.

Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic meets comfort in these lemon chicken feta meatballs with garlic orzo, blending zesty citrus with creamy cheese. Juicy meatballs nestled on herbed orzo promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 egg

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Binding and Cooking:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking station by lining a sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the meatballs.
2. Create the meatball mixture by combining ground chicken with crumbled feta, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped parsley, fragrant lemon zest, garlic powder, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, gently incorporating ingredients without overmixing.
3. Carefully craft uniform meatballs by rolling the mixture into consistent spheres, approximately 16-18 total, and arrange them methodically on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Slide the meatball-laden sheet into the preheated oven, allowing them to roast for 18-20 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown exterior and reach a safe internal temperature.
5. Simultaneously, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook orzo according to package guidelines, ensuring a perfectly al dente texture.
6. While orzo drains, transform a large skillet into a flavor hub by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
7. Introduce the cooked orzo to the skillet, then elevate the dish by incorporating grated Parmesan, a vibrant splash of fresh lemon juice, and final seasoning of salt and pepper.
8. Plate the herbed orzo as a delectable base, crown with the freshly baked chicken feta meatballs, and optionally garnish with additional parsley, crumbled feta, or zesty lemon zest for a bright, finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture isn’t overmixed to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough texture.
• Use fresh lemon zest for brightest citrus flavor and avoid bitter white pith when zesting.
• Choose lean ground chicken for healthier protein option without compromising juiciness.
• Customize meatballs by substituting feta with goat cheese or adding red pepper flakes for heat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg