Introduction
Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken meatballs seasoned with herbs and Parmesan cheese, served over a bed of zesty lemon-infused orzo. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper into the cooked orzo. Mix well to combine.
- Serve the meatballs over the lemon orzo, garnished with fresh parsley.
Helpful Tips
- Perfectly Shaped Meatballs: To ensure your meatballs are uniform in size and cook evenly, use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the mixture before rolling. Lightly oil your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the meatball ingredients until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can result in dense, tough meatballs.
- Boost the Lemon Flavor: For a more vibrant lemon taste in the orzo, add a small pinch of lemon zest just before serving. This will keep the zest’s flavor fresh and zesty.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Pair the dish with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese for a refreshing and complementary side.
- As a Party Appetizer: Serve the meatballs on skewers with a small dollop of tzatziki for dipping, making them an ideal finger food for gatherings.
- Family-Style Platter: Arrange the lemon orzo on a large serving plate, top with the meatballs, and garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices for a stunning centerpiece.
