Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Juicy ground chicken meatballs, infused with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, are perfectly paired with fluffy orzo pasta. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Enjoy a comforting meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, bring vegetable broth to a boil in another pot. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain excess liquid.
- Return orzo to pot, drizzle with olive oil, toss well, and adjust seasoning with lemon juice if desired.
- Serve meatballs over the lemony orzo, garnished with extra parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (about 170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For enhanced flavor, sear meatballs in a skillet before baking. - Feel free to substitute ground turkey for leaner meatballs or add spinach for extra nutrition. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently to maintain moisture.