Description
If you’re in the mood for a fresh, flavorful meal that’s both light and satisfying, this Zesty Lemon Orzo with Greek-Style Chicken Meatballs is the perfect dish for you. The tangy lemony orzo paired with juicy, herby chicken meatballs is a match made in heaven. It’s simple to make, but it feels so special—just like something you’d find at a cozy Mediterranean café. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (or thighs for juicier meatballs)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for orzo and dressing)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Make the Greek-Style Chicken Meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs (1–1.5 inches in diameter). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. -
Cook the Orzo:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions (8–10 minutes). Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. -
Make the Lemon Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified and slightly creamy. -
Toss Everything Together:
In a large bowl, toss the cooked orzo with the lemon dressing. Add in crumbled feta cheese (if using) and gently mix. Top with the baked chicken meatballs and garnish with fresh parsley or dill. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm, optionally with a side salad or roasted vegetables for extra texture and nutrition.
Notes
- Chill the meatball mixture for 15-20 minutes if it’s too sticky to form.
- Use lean ground chicken breast for a lighter meatball, or chicken thighs for juicier meatballs.
- You can make extra meatballs and freeze them for later use. Just bake from frozen at the same temperature.
- Adjust lemon juice to your taste—start with less and add more if you prefer more zing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (includes orzo and meatballs)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg