Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo for a Flavorful Feast
Author:Emily
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Greek
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound Ground Chicken (Substitute with ground turkey if desired.)
1 large Egg
1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Plain or panko variety.)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can replace with another cooking oil.)
1/2 cup Feta Cheese (Use authentic Greek feta for best flavor.)
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Can substitute with fresh cilantro.)
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Use fresh oregano for a stronger flavor.)
2 cloves Garlic (Minced; adjust based on preference.)
1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (Use fresh lemons for best results.)
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 cup Orzo Pasta (Substitute with rice or gluten-free pasta if needed.)
2 cups Chicken Broth (Can use water for a lighter flavor.)
1 tablespoon Butter (Olive oil can be used for a lighter option.)
1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (Optional; can be omitted.)
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley or Dill (For garnish.)
1/4 cup Crumbled Feta (Enhances the Greek experience.)
2 pieces Lemon Wedges (For drizzling over the dish.)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, diced parsley, dried oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into meatballs about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Aim for 16 to 20 meatballs.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the meatballs for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
In a separate saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes.
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
On a serving platter, create a bed of lemon orzo and place the meatballs on top. Garnish with fresh parsley, dill, crumbled feta, and lemon wedges.
Notes
For a lighter option, replace butter with olive oil.