Name: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo—a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that brings Mediterranean sunshine right to your dinner table. Juicy chicken meatballs, packed with aromatic herbs and hints of lemon, sit atop a soft, tangy bed of lemony orzo pasta sprinkled with feta and fresh parsley. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and uplifting; perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends at your next gathering. This recipe is not just easy to make, it’s truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo lies in how a handful of simple components burst with flavor and color. Each one, from bright lemon to creamy feta, has a job: either boosting taste, adding texture, or creating that signature Mediterranean warmth.

Ground chicken: Lean and tender, this forms the juicy base for your meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: They keep the meatballs moist and help bind everything together.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory depth to the meatball mixture.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a pop of color and sweet, oniony flavor.
Garlic: Fresh cloves deliver that essential aromatic kick.
Egg: Holds the meatballs together so they stay nice and tender.
Fresh parsley: Lively, fresh, and green—it brightens up every bite.
Dried oregano: A classic Greek herb for an authentic Mediterranean profile.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and zing.
Lemon zest: Infuses the meatballs with zippy, citrusy fragrance.
Orzo pasta: Looks like rice—cooks like pasta—for a fun, hearty base.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Gives the orzo savory depth and prevents blandness.
Olive oil: Provides silkiness and a bit of richness for your orzo.
Feta cheese: Salty and crumbly, it’s the perfect finishing touch for that Greek flair.
Fresh parsley: Adds herby freshness, tying everything together.
Lemon juice: Brightens the orzo and keeps everything lively.
Salt and pepper: A final seasoning to get the flavors just right.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your meatballs cook evenly and don’t stick, promising easy cleanup later. You’ll love how the kitchen starts to warm up with anticipation!

Step 2: Prepare the Greek Chicken Meatballs Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, egg, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and fragrant lemon zest. Mix everything together gently—use your hands, but don’t overmix—to create a mixture that’s well-blended and easy to shape. This is where Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo start to come alive with flavor!

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

With damp hands (to prevent sticking), roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them evenly across your lined baking sheet. Leaving some space between each ensures they cook and brown beautifully rather than steaming in a crowded pan.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through. They’re done when the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). The aroma as they bake is truly irresistible—tangy, herby, and just a touch toasty.

Step 5: Cook the Lemon Orzo

While your meatballs are finishing in the oven, pour the vegetable or chicken broth into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until just al dente. This gives the orzo just the right bite and allows it to soak up all that brothy goodness.

Step 6: Finish the Orzo

Drain any excess broth and return the cooked orzo to the saucepan. Drizzle with olive oil, add crumbled feta, more chopped parsley, a generous squeeze of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Give it all a gentle stir so every piece is coated, tangy, and creamy—the true Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo experience!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your meatballs are ready, arrange them over a bed of the lemon orzo. Sprinkle with extra parsley or serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, finishing flair. Get ready for a Greek-inspired meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can turn a delicious plate into a stunning centerpiece. A generous sprinkling of chopped parsley or dill provides a burst of color and extra freshness. Lemon wedges on the side let everyone adjust the brightness to their taste, and a dusting of crumbled feta is always welcome for an extra touch of creamy, tangy flavor.

Side Dishes

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo are super satisfying on their own but shine even brighter with easy sides! Try a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or a basket of warm pita bread. Any classic Greek-inspired veggie—the more color, the better—will create a feast for both eyes and taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try plating the meatballs atop mini orzo nests for a tapas-style starter, or serve everything family-style for cozy, communal eating. You can also fill pita pockets with the meatballs and a scoop of lemon orzo for a fun twist on a Greek gyro. There’s no wrong way to enjoy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo—so make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo store beautifully! Simply place the cooled meatballs and orzo in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prepping lunches or busy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, let everything cool completely first. Store the meatballs (separately for best quality) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The orzo can also be frozen, but make sure it’s in a separate container to prevent it from getting mushy when reheated.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to add moisture back in. The microwave works in a pinch, but covering the dish while heating helps keep everything from drying out. Top with fresh herbs and a little sprinkle of extra feta to revive all those signature flavors!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well as chicken. The flavors of lemon, cheese, and herbs will complement it beautifully, creating a very similar Mediterranean vibe in your Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo.

What type of breadcrumbs work best?

You can use either regular or panko breadcrumbs. If you want a lighter, airier meatball, panko is a great choice. To keep it gluten-free, swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs with no sacrifice in taste or texture.

Does the orzo have to be cooked in broth?

Cooking orzo in broth adds that extra dose of flavor, but you can absolutely use water if you’re in a pinch. For even more tang, you could try a mix of broth and a bit of extra lemon juice as it cooks.

Can I make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo ahead for a party?

Definitely! Both components can be made the day before and stored separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently and combine, then top with fresh garnishes for a party-perfect presentation.

What other herbs can I add?

Other fresh herbs like dill or mint are fantastic in both the meatballs and the orzo. They add a unique twist while keeping that signature Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo flavor profile bright and fresh.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a dish that’s as easy as it is impressive, Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo promise to deliver on flavor, fun, and satisfaction. Give it a try and let the Mediterranean sunshine brighten up your kitchen—your taste buds will thank you!

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These flavorful Greek chicken meatballs paired with tangy lemon orzo make for a delightful and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and easy preparation.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Form Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Cook Orzo: While the meatballs are baking, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
Combine Orzo: Once cooked, drain any excess broth and return the orzo to the saucepan. Drizzle with olive oil, add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
Serve: Once the meatballs are finished, remove them from the oven and serve them alongside the lemon orzo. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your delicious Greek-inspired meal!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Boiling, Simmering
Cuisine: Greek