For those looking for a fresh, vibrant meal, this Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo dish is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired option. Packed with flavorful herbs like oregano, basil, and dill, the chicken meatballs are complemented by the bright, tangy lemon orzo that’s sure to brighten up your day. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to impress guests. With the addition of feta in the meatballs and parmesan in the orzo, it offers a perfect balance of savory, zesty, and hearty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled and chopped small
- 1.5 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup of dried orzo pasta (prepare according to the directions on the package).
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or softened butter.
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (optional), grated or shredded
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp dried dill
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, feta, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked through.
- Cook the Orzo:
- While the meatballs are baking, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Orzo:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil (or melted butter), and parmesan cheese (if using).
- Season with oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dill.
- Toss until the orzo is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Plate the lemon orzo and top with the warm chicken meatballs.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of extra feta or fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Conclusion:
This Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo recipe offers a perfect combination of savory and zesty flavors, making it an easy yet impressive meal. The tender, herb-infused meatballs paired with the fresh citrus notes of the lemon orzo create a dish that’s both hearty and light. Whether you’re in the mood for a healthy dinner or something with Mediterranean flair, this dish will satisfy your cravings.
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo
Ingredients
For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled and chopped small
- 1.5 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup of dried orzo pasta prepare according to the directions on the package.
- 1 lemon zested
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or softened butter.
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese optional, grated or shredded
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp dried dill
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, feta, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked through.
Cook the Orzo:
- While the meatballs are baking, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Prepare the Lemon Orzo:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil (or melted butter), and parmesan cheese (if using).
- Season with oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dill.
- Toss until the orzo is evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve:
- Plate the lemon orzo and top with the warm chicken meatballs.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of extra feta or fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.