Mediterranean Savory Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo
These Greek-inspired chicken meatballs are tender, flavorful, and paired with a bright, zesty lemon orzo that soaks up all the savory goodness. Infused with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan, the meatballs are a healthy, protein-packed option. The orzo is cooked in chicken broth, then tossed with olive oil, feta, lemon juice, and dill for a refreshing Mediterranean touch. Ready in about 30–35 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Orzo
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Shape the mixture into 1–inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Cook the Meatballs
Bake meatballs for 15–18 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Optional: For a golden crust, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Prepare the Lemon Orzo
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and broth is mostly absorbed (about 8–10 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in feta cheese, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
Serve
Plate the lemon orzo and top with baked Greek chicken meatballs.
Garnish with extra parsley or dill if desired and serve warm.
Tips
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Combine until just incorporated.
Uniform size: Make meatballs the same size to ensure even cooking.
Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and dill brighten the dish, but dried herbs can work in a pinch.
Make-ahead: Meatballs can be baked ahead and reheated gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Variations
Protein swap: Use ground turkey, lamb, or beef instead of chicken for a different flavor.
Add veggies: Finely grated zucchini or carrot can be mixed into the meatballs for extra nutrition and moisture.
Cheese twist: Mix in crumbled feta inside the meatballs for a melty, tangy surprise.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the meatball mixture for a little kick.
Orzo alternatives: Swap orzo for couscous, quinoa, or rice if preferred.
Sauce option: Serve with tzatziki or a light tomato sauce for added flavor.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure orzo is gluten-free.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake the meatballs ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving, and cook the orzo fresh or store separately.
Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A: Absolutely. Freeze cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free orzo to keep it safe for gluten-free diets.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Substitute the Parmesan and feta with dairy-free alternatives or omit them entirely.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~420
Protein: ~32g
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~32g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~2g
Sodium: ~580mg
(Values are approximate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Savory Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo are a fresh, flavorful, and balanced meal. Tender chicken meatballs infused with herbs pair perfectly with bright, lemony orzo, creating a dish that’s satisfying yet light. Quick to prepare and versatile enough for meal prep, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.