Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo: A Light and Delicious Meal

When you’re craving something fresh and light, Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo is the perfect choice. This meal is easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and will make you feel like you’re dining by the Mediterranean.

A Simple Yet Flavorful Meal

The tender, herbed chicken meatballs are complemented by the bright, zesty lemon orzo, making it a light but satisfying dish. The first time I made this for a girls’ night, it was meant to be a casual meal, but everyone loved it so much that they kept going back for seconds! The lemon and fresh herbs really make this dish stand out. Now, it’s one of my go-to meals when I want something different and flavorful, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special Sunday family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Customizable: Add toppings like crumbled feta, fresh parsley, or an extra squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
• Packed with Fresh Herbs: The meatballs are full of fresh parsley, dill, and scallions, giving them bold flavors without being heavy.
• Zesty Lemon Orzo: The lemon orzo is fresh and tangy, pairing perfectly with the meatballs.
• Great for Meal Prep: Both the meatballs and orzo reheat well, making them perfect for easy lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• Ground chicken (or ground turkey)
• Almond flour (or chopped dry roasted nuts) or breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley and dill (or dried herbs)
• Garlic, minced
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Onion powder (or finely chopped scallions or red onion)
• Dried oregano, ground cumin, cracked pepper, and salt
• Lemon zest

For the Lemon Orzo:

• Orzo pasta (or couscous)
• Chicken broth (vegetable broth works too)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Crumbled feta
• Olive oil

Tip: If you’re not a fan of dill, you can use extra parsley for a milder flavor.

Instructions

Making the Meatballs:

1. In a bowl, mix ground chicken, almond flour (or chopped nuts), parsley, dill, garlic, feta, onion powder, oregano, cumin, salt, cracked pepper, and lemon zest.
2. Roll the mixture into 1½ to 2-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate. Sprinkle a little salt on them.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re browned. Flip the meatballs, cover the skillet, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them.

Making the Lemon Orzo:

1. In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Scrape up any browned bits from the meatballs for extra flavor.
2. Add the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is tender. Drain any excess broth if needed.
3. Stir in lemon juice, olive oil, and crumbled feta to the orzo. Mix well and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serving:

Serve the creamy lemon orzo on plates, top with the meatballs, and garnish with fresh parsley. You can also add extra feta or lemon wedges for a little more flavor.

Option for Baking Meatballs:
If you prefer baking the meatballs, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked. For extra browning, broil the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes.

Helpful Tips

• Zest the Lemon Before Juicing: Zesting the lemon first makes it easier to get all the zest without dealing with the juice.
• Adjust Lemon Flavor: If you want more lemon flavor, add extra lemon juice to the orzo right before serving.
• Serve with Tzatziki: A side of tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing, creamy element that pairs perfectly with the Greek flavors.

What to Serve With Greek Chicken Meatballs and Lemon Orzo

While this dish is already a complete meal, adding a few sides can make it even better. A Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta is a great option for a fresh crunch. You can also serve roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, with olive oil and oregano.

If you’re serving a crowd, a side of tzatziki or some extra lemon sauce for dipping will be a big hit. Don’t forget warm pita bread, which is perfect for scooping up the orzo and herbs!

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• Salmon with Lemon Orzo: If you love lemon orzo, try it with tender salmon for a light Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Chicken Souvlaki Bowls: These bowls are filled with seasoned chicken, rice, and fresh toppings, making them customizable and full of flavor.
• Garlic Roasted Veggies: Simple, oven-roasted vegetables with a hint of garlic are a perfect side to any Mediterranean dish.

Final Thoughts

Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo are fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Try it out, and let me know what you think!