Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo are a tasty and healthy meal that is simple to make at home. The soft and juicy meatballs mix perfectly with the fresh, lemon-flavored orzo, creating a dish that is both delicious and filling.
Whether you cook it for your family or serve it to guests, this recipe will surely impress everyone. Enjoy the bright flavors and the joy of a homemade Greek meal!
Serving Suggestions for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
Make your Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo even more delicious with these easy and tasty serving ideas:
Greek Salad:
Serve it with a fresh Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Add a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Tzatziki Sauce:
Add a small bowl of tzatziki sauce for dipping the meatballs. This cool and creamy yogurt and cucumber dip matches perfectly with the flavors of the meatballs and lemon orzo.
Pita Bread:
Warm up some pita bread to enjoy on the side. You can use it to scoop up the meatballs and orzo or make small pita wraps.
Steamed Vegetables:
Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or broccoli to make the meal colorful and healthy.
Lemon Wedges:
Place a few lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the meatballs and orzo before eating for an extra bright flavor.
Feta Cheese:
Sprinkle some extra crumbled feta cheese on top for a salty and rich taste.
Fresh Herbs:
Add some chopped parsley or dill for a fresh and vibrant touch.
These easy serving ideas make your Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo a balanced, colorful, and full-of-flavor Greek-style meal.
Cooking Tips for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
Follow these simple cooking tips to make your Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo soft, flavorful, and perfectly cooked:
Use Fresh Ingredients:
Always use fresh herbs, lemon juice, and zest. Fresh parsley and dill give a bright and rich flavor that dried herbs can’t match.
Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture:
Mix the meatball ingredients only until they come together. Overmixing can make the meatballs hard. A gentle mix keeps them soft and juicy.
Uniform Meatball Size:
Shape the meatballs into equal sizes so they cook evenly. A small cookie scoop can help make them the same size.
Chill the Meatballs:
Place the meatballs in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before cooking. This helps them keep their shape while frying.
Cooking the Meatballs:
Avoid crowding the pan when cooking. Give each meatball space to brown nicely and cook evenly. Cook them in small batches and keep the cooked ones warm in a low oven.
Monitor the Orzo:
Watch the orzo carefully while it cooks. Don’t let it get too soft or mushy. It should be al dente — soft but with a small bite.
Lemon Flavor Balance:
Add lemon juice to the orzo slowly and taste as you go. Adjust the amount to get the perfect fresh lemon flavor.
Fresh Garnish:
Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill on top before serving for a fresh and colorful touch.
By following these easy tips, your Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo will turn out soft, tasty, and full of fresh Mediterranean flavor.
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: Greek4
servings20
minutes25
minutes448
kcal45
minutesThese Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo make a tasty and comforting meal. The fresh lemon and herbs add a bright flavor that blends perfectly with the soft orzo pasta. It’s a simple, delicious dish that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken
¼ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic minced
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 egg beaten
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil for fryingFor the Lemon Orzo:
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Greek Chicken Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, feta cheese, parsley, dill, oregano, beaten egg, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan.
Cook each side for about 4–5 minutes until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. Remove them from the pan and set aside. - Prepare the Lemon Orzo:
In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes or as written on the package until soft but slightly firm.
Drain the orzo and put it back in the pot. Add olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir well.
Add salt and pepper to taste. - Serve:
Place the Greek Chicken Meatballs on top of the Lemon Orzo.
Garnish with chopped parsley and a little crumbled feta cheese if you like.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh Greek salad for a tasty and complete meal.
Notes
- If you like a softer lemon taste in the orzo, use only the lemon zest or the juice instead of both, or add a smaller amount. Adjust it to your taste!
- Mix Gently: Mix the meatball ingredients lightly to keep the meatballs soft and juicy.
- Uniform Size: Make all the meatballs the same size so they cook evenly.
- Cook in Batches: Don’t fill the pan too much when frying the meatballs. Cook them in small batches to get a nice golden brown crust.
FAQ’s
How can I make the lemon orzo more creamy?
Add a spoon of Greek yogurt or a little cream to the orzo. This will make it richer and creamier in texture.
What side dishes go well with this meal?
You can serve it with a fresh Greek salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. These sides match perfectly with the flavors of this meal.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
It’s best to use fresh lemon juice for the best taste, but you can use bottled lemon juice if needed. Just adjust the amount to your liking.
