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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo for a Light Dinner

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo in this crowd-pleasing, light dinner recipe.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Chicken Lean white meat for a lighter texture.
  • 1/2 cup Almond Flour or Chopped Nuts Acts as a binder, substitute with breadcrumbs if desired.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Can substitute with dill.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill Distinct herbal note, can use parsley if not available.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Adjust based on taste.
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled) Omit for dairy-free or use nutritional yeast.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder or Fresh Onion (finely chopped) Amplifies flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Essential for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin Consider skipping for a milder taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 whole Lemon (zest and juice) Always use fresh lemons.
For the Orzo
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil For cooking meatballs and dressing the orzo.
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Can be replaced with gluten-free pasta.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium variations recommended.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, almond flour, chopped parsley, dill, and minced garlic. Add in the crumbled feta, onion powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix gently until evenly incorporated, avoiding overmixing for tender meatballs.
  2. With clean hands, form the mixture into 1½ to 2-inch meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle salt over the meatballs.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, searing for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, then flipping and covering the skillet to cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through.
  4. In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the orzo and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in crumbled feta and mix until well combined, adjusting seasoning as necessary.
  6. To serve, place a scoop of creamy lemon orzo on each plate, topped with Greek chicken meatballs. Garnish with parsley and feta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 40gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Avoid overmixing ingredients to maintain tenderness. Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding meatballs for a better sear. Check internal temperature for doneness at 165°F. Zest lemons before juicing for maximum flavor extraction.

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