Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece with our flavorful Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo recipe. This dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of juicy chicken meatballs and zesty lemon orzo creates a symphony of delicious flavors.
- With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks.
- These meatballs are great for meal prep and can be enjoyed as a tasty lunch option throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- Ground chicken: Provides a lean protein base for the meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the ingredients together and add texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich and savory flavor to the meatballs.
- Finely chopped red onion and garlic: Enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Large egg: Binds the meatball mixture together.
- Fresh parsley and dried oregano: Infuse the meatballs with fresh herbs.
- Salt, black pepper, and lemon zest: Season the meatballs and add a zesty kick.
For the Lemon Orzo:
- Orzo pasta: A small pasta shape that pairs perfectly with the chicken meatballs.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Adds flavor to the orzo while cooking.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich and smooth texture to the dish.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy element to the orzo.
- Fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper: Brightens the flavors of the orzo.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo in broth until tender, then stir in olive oil, feta, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the chicken meatballs over the lemon orzo and garnish with additional parsley and feta.
Helpful Tips:
- For a more tender meatball, avoid overmixing the ingredients.
- Swap out ground turkey or beef for the chicken if preferred.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- To enhance the flavors, marinate the chicken meatball mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with a Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, place the meatballs and orzo in separate containers and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep them moist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making my own? Yes, but homemade meatballs will elevate the flavors of this dish.
- Can I freeze the meatballs for later use? Yes, freeze the cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Can I use other herbs in the meatball mixture? Feel free to experiment with herbs like mint or basil for a different flavor profile.
- How can I add more veggies to this dish? Serve the meatballs and orzo with a side of roasted vegetables or a Greek cucumber salad.
Conclusion:
Experience the taste of Greece with our Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. Share your feedback and enjoy a delicious culinary journey with this Greek-inspired dish!
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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo: A Culinary Journey to the Heart of Greece
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek chicken meatballs are bursting with Mediterranean flavors and served over zesty lemon orzo. A perfect combination of juicy meatballs and tangy orzo for a delightful culinary journey to Greece.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Meatballs: In a bowl, mix all chicken meatball ingredients until well combined. Shape into meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook meatballs until browned and cooked through.
- Cook the Lemon Orzo: Cook orzo in broth until tender. Stir in olive oil, feta, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs over lemon orzo, garnish with additional parsley and lemon zest.
Notes
- You can add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the orzo for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs instead of frying them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg