Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea packed with flavor and freshness? This Quick Greek Chicken Meatballs With Lemon Orzo is the perfect answer. Juicy, herb-packed chicken meatballs baked to golden perfection and served with creamy lemon orzo pasta—it’s a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough for guests. A great go-to for easy recipes, healthy dinners, and cozy food ideas!
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 large egg
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken, garlic, onion, parsley, dill, oregano, egg, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Form into meatballs and place on the baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
5. While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic and optional extra red onion for 1–2 minutes.
6. Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, then add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
7. Cook orzo for about 8–10 minutes until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
8. Stir in lemon juice and zest, adjust seasoning, and add a splash of broth if needed.
9. Gently fold in baked meatballs and let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes.
10. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Use fresh herbs whenever possible to get the brightest flavor in the meatballs.
Don’t overcook the orzo—it’s meant to be creamy, not mushy.
Add extra broth when reheating leftovers to bring back the creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking + Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg