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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

A delicious Greek-inspired meal featuring tender chicken meatballs seasoned with lemon and herbs, baked to perfection, and served alongside a bright, flavorful lemon orzo with feta cheese and fresh parsley. This recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner with Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Meatballs:

  • 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

For the Lemon Orzo:

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatballs.
  2. Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, minced garlic, egg, fresh parsley, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
  4. Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
  5. Cook Orzo: While the meatballs bake, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente, following package instructions.
  6. Combine Orzo: Drain any excess broth from the cooked orzo and return it to the saucepan. Stir in olive oil, crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  7. Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and plate them alongside the lemon orzo. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo!

Notes

  • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if preferred.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • For added freshness, garnish with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of fresh dill.
  • Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken meatballs, lemon orzo, Mediterranean dinner, healthy chicken meatballs, baked chicken meatballs, easy Greek recipes

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/greek-chicken-meatballs-with-lemon-orzo-recipe/