Flavor-packed chicken meatballs with a zesty lemon orzo, creating a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both light and filling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a delightful dish full of Mediterranean flavors. The chicken meatballs are perfectly seasoned with oregano, feta cheese, and fresh parsley, while the lemony orzo adds a refreshing citrusy touch. This meal is not only quick and easy to prepare but also light yet satisfying—perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. It’s a delicious, filling meal that packs a punch of flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, feta, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to taste.
- Serve the meatballs on top of the lemon orzo and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for added color and flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or orzo for an extra kick.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the feta with a dairy-free cheese option, or simply omit it for a lighter version.
- Herb Variations: You can experiment with different herbs, like basil or mint, in the meatballs or orzo for a new flavor twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a little olive oil or water to keep the orzo moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of chicken for the meatballs. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, you can freeze both the meatballs and the cooked orzo separately. Store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake the meatballs from frozen and warm the orzo on the stove.
4. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture or orzo for some extra heat!
5. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like couscous, farfalle, or penne.
6. Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Yes, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, or even shredded mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
7. Can I serve this with a sauce?
While this dish is great on its own, you can drizzle with a yogurt-based sauce like tzatziki for a true Greek flair!
8. How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs are done when they are golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
9. Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, store-bought breadcrumbs work perfectly for this recipe. You can also use panko for a crunchier texture.
10. How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?
Add extra spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or ground cumin to the meatball mixture for even more flavor depth.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a light yet filling meal. With the combination of zesty lemon, creamy feta, and savory chicken meatballs, this Mediterranean-inspired dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to satisfy and impress!
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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
This Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo dish combines Mediterranean flavors into a quick and satisfying meal. Flavor-packed chicken meatballs are paired with a refreshing lemony orzo, creating a light yet filling dinner. Easy to make and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or any occasion!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, feta, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Cook the Orzo: While the meatballs bake, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Serve the meatballs on top of the lemon orzo. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for added color and flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or orzo for an extra kick.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the feta with a dairy-free cheese or omit it for a lighter version.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with herbs like basil, mint, or thyme for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
