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Greek Chicken Meatballs With Lemon Orzo

Greek chicken meatballs with creamy lemon orzo in a close up food photo.
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This one-pan meal brings sunny Mediterranean flavors to your weeknight table. Juicy, herb-packed chicken meatballs simmer in a simple tomato sauce served over buttery lemon orzo. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s ready in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Chicken Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Lemon Orzo & Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
  • Extra crumbled feta, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. With damp hands, roll mixture into 18-20 small meatballs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides for 5-6 minutes. Remove to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in dry orzo, lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring to a simmer. Nestle the browned meatballs into the skillet. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes until orzo is tender.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra feta before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender. Browning the meatballs first adds crucial flavor. Add the lemon juice at the end to keep it bright. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/greek-chicken-meatballs-with-lemon-orzo/