Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Greek cuisine is known for its vibrant, fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. From the aromatic herbs and spices to the olive oil and lemon, Greek dishes offer a delightful mix of rich tastes that are both comforting and nutritious. One of the most popular Mediterranean meals that incorporates these bold flavors is Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo. This dish is an ideal combination of juicy chicken meatballs, fragrant lemon-infused orzo, and a fresh, zesty tzatziki sauce that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

This dish requires a bit of prep work for the meatballs and orzo, but once everything is prepped, it comes together quickly and easily. Follow these instructions to make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo.

Step 1: Prepare the Greek Chicken Meatballs

Greek chicken meatballs are full of flavor thanks to the combination of fresh herbs and spices. They’re a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs, made with lean chicken instead of beef or pork, and they’re baked for a lighter texture.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

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2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon (if using), lemon zest, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in dense meatballs.

3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. You should get about 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size. If you prefer smaller or larger meatballs, feel free to adjust accordingly.

4. Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each meatball to help them brown. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

5. Check for Doneness: To ensure your meatballs are cooked perfectly, you can check one by cutting it in half to make sure there’s no pink in the center. Once they are cooked through, remove them from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Orzo

Orzo is a small pasta that works wonderfully as a base for this dish, especially when infused with lemon and herbs. The lemony flavor from both the zest and juice brings a refreshing balance to the savory meatballs.

1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Be sure to stir the orzo occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Orzo: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked orzo and sauté for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it and infuse it with the olive oil’s flavor. This will give the orzo a slightly nutty taste that complements the rest of the dish.

3. Add Lemon and Garlic: Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the orzo. Stir to combine and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. For an extra burst of freshness, you can stir in some chopped parsley at this point.

4. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) and stir to combine. Allow the orzo to cook in the broth for another 2-3 minutes to absorb some of the liquid and enhance the flavor. Once the orzo is well-coated and tender, remove it from the heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce (Optional)

Tzatziki sauce is a cooling, tangy yogurt-based sauce that pairs perfectly with Greek dishes like these chicken meatballs. While the tzatziki is optional, it really brings the dish together with its refreshing flavor.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the tzatziki and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. You can also add a little more dill or garlic to intensify the flavor, depending on your preference.

3. Chill the Sauce: If possible, refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. However, you can also serve it immediately if you’re short on time.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Now that the meatballs, orzo, and tzatziki sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish.

1. Plate the Orzo: Spoon the lemony orzo onto each plate, creating a base for the meatballs to rest on.

2. Top with Meatballs: Place the baked Greek chicken meatballs on top of the orzo, arranging them evenly on the plates.

3. Drizzle with Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzle the chilled tzatziki sauce over the meatballs, or serve it on the side for dipping.

4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and an additional layer of freshness. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy a more citrusy punch.

Tips for the Perfect Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like oregano, parsley, and dill make a significant difference in the flavor of this dish. While dried herbs are a good alternative, fresh herbs are more aromatic and flavorful, making the dish more authentic.

2. Make the Meatballs Ahead: You can prepare the chicken meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This will save you time on the day you plan to cook the meal.

3. Use Ground Turkey for a Leaner Option: If you prefer a leaner protein, feel free to substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken. Both options work well in this recipe.

4. Customize the Tzatziki Sauce: If you’re a fan of garlic or want a more intense flavor, feel free to add more garlic to the tzatziki sauce. You can also play around with other seasonings like mint or lemon zest to personalize the sauce to your liking.

5. Make Extra Orzo: The lemon orzo is delicious on its own and works great as a side dish for other meals. You can easily double the orzo recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.

6. Serve with Vegetables: For a more complete Mediterranean meal, serve the Greek chicken meatballs with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. You can also add a side salad with feta cheese, olives, and red onion for an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a flavorful and wholesome dish that brings together all the best elements of Mediterranean cuisine. The juicy, herb-infused chicken meatballs pair perfectly with the light, lemony orzo, creating a satisfying and balanced meal. The optional tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing creaminess that complements the savory meatballs and citrusy orzo.

This recipe is versatile, healthy, and can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering, this dish will surely impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and Mediterranean flair.

Yield: 4

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

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Greek cuisine is known for its vibrant, fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. From the aromatic herbs and spices to the olive oil and lemon, Greek dishes offer a delightful mix of rich tastes that are both comforting and nutritious. One of the most popular Mediterranean meals that incorporates these bold flavors is Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo. This dish is an ideal combination of juicy chicken meatballs, fragrant lemon-infused orzo, and a fresh, zesty tzatziki sauce that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground chicken (or ground turkey)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat or gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• For the Lemon Orzo:
• 1 cup orzo pasta (or gluten-free orzo if preferred)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Make the Greek Chicken Meatballs:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, cumin, lemon zest, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
• Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs.
• Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
• Once browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).

2. Cook the Lemon Orzo:

• While the meatballs are baking, cook the orzo. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until tender.
• Drain the orzo and return it to the pot. Stir in the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Serve:

• Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and set aside.
• Serve the meatballs on top of the lemony orzo, garnished with fresh parsley and optional crumbled feta cheese.

Notes

Toppings: You can add a drizzle of tzatziki sauce on top for extra Greek flavor.

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, try using a plant-based ground meat or even chickpeas as the base for the meatballs.

Herb Variations: Feel free to mix in other fresh herbs like mint or dill into the meatballs for a more authentic Greek flavor.