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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

A delightful dish featuring tender chicken meatballs infused with herbs, served on a bed of zesty lemon orzo, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground chicken Can use frozen, thaw before use for better texture.
  • 1/2 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 large red onion, finely diced
For the Lemon Orzo
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 whole Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red-pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped oregano, chopped mint, minced garlic, and diced red onion. Season with salt and pepper, then gently mix with your hands until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls and place them on a plate. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to help the meatballs hold their shape.
Cooking
  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and keep warm.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and pour in the 1/2 cup white wine, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, then bring to a gentle simmer. Season with red-pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the 1 cup orzo to the simmering broth-lemon mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Return the seared meatballs to the skillet, nestling them among the orzo. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and an optional drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Serve immediately, ensuring each portion gets both meatballs and lemon-brightened orzo.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls to highlight vibrant colors. Pair with fresh Greek salad or grilled vegetables.