Description
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is an easy, flavor‑packed dinner that serves four. Juicy chicken meatballs are seasoned with oregano, garlic powder, and fresh parsley, then baked to a golden finish. The orzo cooks in chicken broth and is brightened with fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a light, citrusy base. Perfect for weeknight meals, this recipe combines Mediterranean herbs with a comforting pasta, delivering a balanced, satisfying plate every time Enjoy the bright flavors tonight
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. Mix gently.
- Form mixture into 1‑inch meatballs and place on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake 20‑25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Meanwhile, bring chicken broth to a boil, add orzo, and cook until al dente.
- Drain orzo, return to pot, stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Serve meatballs over lemon orzo, garnish with extra parsley.
Notes
- For a gluten‑free version
- use gluten‑free breadcrumbs. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mix gives a subtle heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball + 1/2 cup orzo
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo, easy Greek chicken recipe, lemon orzo side dish, Mediterranean chicken meatballs, quick dinner ideas, healthy chicken dinner, weeknight meal recipes, lemon pasta recipe, chicken meatball recipe, Greek-inspired meals