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Savory Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo

Bring the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table with this Savory Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo recipe. Juicy, herb-seasoned chicken meatballs are paired with bright and tangy lemon orzo, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic for a dish that feels light, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is perfect for weeknights because it’s ready in under 45 minutes, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. The combination of tender meatballs and citrusy pasta will transport your taste buds straight to Greece.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs or almond flour for gluten-free
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ small red onion finely grated or minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for baking or pan-searing
For the lemon orzo:
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: crumbled feta cheese for topping

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Large pot (for orzo)
  • Large skillet (for finishing meatballs and orzo)
  • Zester and juicer
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat oven
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the meatball mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, dill, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix gently until just combined.
Step 3: Shape and bake
  1. Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden. (Internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
Step 4: Cook the orzo
  1. While meatballs bake, bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
  3. Drain any excess broth if needed, leaving a little liquid for creaminess.
Step 5: Make it zesty
  1. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil (or butter), parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Combine and finish
  1. Add baked meatballs on top of the lemon orzo.
  2. Garnish with more parsley and optional crumbled feta.
Step 7: Serve
  1. Plate warm, making sure each serving has a generous portion of orzo and meatballs.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze meatballs separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen orzo, or microwave individual portions.
🥄 Variations
Spicy version – Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture.
Cheesy twist – Mix crumbled feta into the orzo before serving.
Veggie boost – Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers to the orzo.
Grain swap – Use couscous or quinoa instead of orzo for a different base.
Herb upgrade – Add mint for a refreshing Greek flavor.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly.
Do I need to pan-fry the meatballs?
No, baking is easier and healthier, but pan-frying works too.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, form them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free orzo to make it GF-friendly.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—it’s great for meal prep or dinner parties.
What can I use instead of dill?
Mint or extra parsley works well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the feta cheese.
How do I keep meatballs juicy?
Don’t overmix the meat mixture, and avoid overbaking.
What side dishes go well with this meal?
A Greek salad, pita bread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I cook the meatballs in the sauce instead of baking?
Yes, simmer them in broth or tomato sauce for extra flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
This Savory Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo recipe is a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavors that’s both fresh and comforting. Juicy herbed chicken meatballs paired with tangy lemon orzo create a balanced dish that’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining.