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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 23 reviews

Enjoy a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal with these Greek Chicken Meatballs paired with zesty Lemon Orzo. Tender ground chicken meatballs baked to perfection are infused with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and Parmesan, served alongside a creamy orzo tossed with feta, lemon juice, and parsley for a bright and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated for flavorful meatballs.
  3. Form Meatballs: Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
  4. Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
  5. Cook Orzo: While meatballs bake, bring the broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Combine Orzo: Drain any excess liquid if necessary, then return the orzo to the saucepan. Drizzle with olive oil, add crumbled feta, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to evenly distribute the flavors.
  7. Serve: Once the meatballs are done, plate them alongside the lemon orzo. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant, Greek-inspired meal!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a slightly different flavor.
  • If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
  • To make ahead, meatballs can be formed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Leftover lemon orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken meatballs, lemon orzo recipe, healthy chicken meatballs, Mediterranean dinner, baked chicken meatballs, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/greek-chicken-meatballs-with-lemon-orzo-recipe/