The Best Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together tender, herb-infused chicken meatballs and a bright, zesty orzo pasta. This recipe captures the essence of Greek cuisine with ingredients like feta cheese, garlic, oregano, and fresh dill, creating a perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors.

This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves light yet satisfying meals. The juicy meatballs pair perfectly with the tangy lemon orzo, making it a refreshing and wholesome option for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers on both taste and simplicity.

Beyond its incredible flavors, this meal is easy to prepare and great for meal prep. The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, while the orzo comes together in minutes. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Greek-inspired dish is a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Bursting with Mediterranean Flavors

This recipe is packed with classic Greek ingredients that bring bold and refreshing flavors. The combination of fresh dill, feta cheese, garlic, and lemon zest creates a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and herbaceous notes, making every bite deliciously satisfying.

Easy One-Pan Meal

With simple preparation and minimal cleanup, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights. The meatballs are quickly seared in a pan, and the orzo comes together effortlessly in the same pot. It’s a hassle-free meal that doesn’t require extensive cooking time.

Healthy and Protein-Packed

Made with lean ground chicken and wholesome ingredients, this dish is a nutritious option for anyone looking to enjoy a balanced meal. The protein-rich meatballs keep you full and energized, while the orzo provides a satisfying yet light accompaniment.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is great for preparing ahead of time. The meatballs store well in the fridge or freezer, and the lemon orzo remains fresh and flavorful for days. Whether you need a quick lunch or a ready-to-eat dinner, this meal is a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:

• Ground chicken – The base of the meatballs, lean and perfect for a healthy meal.
• Feta cheese – Adds a creamy, tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
• Garlic, oregano, and fresh dill – These Mediterranean herbs infuse the meatballs with bold flavor and fragrance.
• Red onion and parsley – The onion adds a slight sweetness and depth, while parsley brings a fresh, herbal note to the meatballs.

For the Lemon Orzo:

• Orzo pasta – This small, rice-shaped pasta is the ideal texture for pairing with the meatballs and absorbing the zesty lemon sauce.
• Olive oil – Adds richness to the orzo and helps the lemon zest and juice to coat the pasta.
• Lemon zest and juice – The bright citrusy flavors give the orzo a refreshing kick and balance the savory meatballs.
• Greek yogurt (optional) – For a creamy finish, Greek yogurt is a great option to add a smooth texture and extra tang.

For Garnishing & Serving:

• Tzatziki sauce – A cool, creamy dip made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic, perfect for serving alongside the meatballs.
• Crumbled feta – Additional feta to sprinkle on top, enhancing the dish’s flavor and texture.
• Fresh herbs (parsley or dill) – A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and extra flavor to the final dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Meatballs

• In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled feta, minced garlic, oregano, fresh dill, and red onion.
• Adjust the flavor of the mixture by adding salt and pepper to your preference.
• Gently combine all the ingredients with your hands, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
• Shape the mixture into meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches across. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Gently add the meatballs to the pan, ensuring there’s enough space between them to cook evenly.
• Sear the meatballs for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
• Lower the heat and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Make the Lemon Orzo

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7-9 minutes).
• Drain the orzo, then return it to the pot.
• Toss the orzo with olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until evenly coated.
• For added creaminess, mix in Greek yogurt (optional). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

• To serve, plate the orzo and arrange the cooked chicken meatballs on top.
• Garnish with crumbled feta, fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
• Serve immediately and enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired meal!

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This step-by-step guide makes it easy to follow the recipe, ensuring the dish turns out perfectly every time!

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Greek Chicken Meatballs

Make It Gluten-Free

For those avoiding gluten, simply swap out the orzo for quinoa or rice. Both options work beautifully as a base for the meatballs while still providing a satisfying texture and flavor. Quinoa is also a great source of protein, making it an ideal choice for this dish.

Add More Protein

To boost the protein content, try mixing chickpeas into the ground chicken mixture. The chickpeas add a hearty texture and extra nutrition, making the meatballs even more filling. You can lightly mash the chickpeas or add them whole for more bite.

Dairy-Free Option

For a dairy-free version of this recipe, simply skip the feta cheese and Greek yogurt, or substitute them with dairy-free alternatives. There are excellent plant-based options for feta and yogurt available that will keep the flavors intact without compromising the dish’s integrity.

Bake the Meatballs for a Healthier Version

If you prefer a lighter, less oily version of this dish, consider baking the meatballs instead of pan-frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked through. This method offers a healthier alternative while still keeping the meatballs moist and tender.

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These tips and variations allow you to customize the recipe to fit different dietary needs and preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these Greek chicken meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can! These Greek chicken meatballs are an ideal choice for easy and efficient meal prepping. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the meatballs for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing, and reheat them thoroughly when ready to serve.

2. What can I serve with Greek chicken meatballs besides lemon orzo?

If you’re looking for alternatives to lemon orzo, there are plenty of great options! You can serve the meatballs with couscous, a refreshing Greek salad, or warm pita bread with a side of tzatziki sauce. These sides will complement the Mediterranean flavors of the meatballs and offer variety to your meal.

3. How do I prevent chicken meatballs from drying out?

To keep the meatballs juicy and tender, try adding a bit of Greek yogurt or breadcrumbs to the mixture. The yogurt helps retain moisture, while breadcrumbs absorb liquid, making the meatballs soft and moist. Avoid overcooking them, as this can lead to dryness.

You’ll Also Love:

1. Greek Chicken Souvlaki

A classic Greek dish, these grilled chicken skewers are marinated in a tangy mix of lemon, olive oil, and herbs, then served with pita and tzatziki sauce for a satisfying meal.

2. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Packed with colorful veggies, feta, olives, and a zesty lemon dressing, this Mediterranean quinoa salad is a fresh, healthy side dish that pairs wonderfully with the Greek chicken meatballs.

3. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

For another delicious Greek-inspired dish, try chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and feta cheese. It’s a flavorful, protein-packed option that’s just as satisfying as the meatballs.

4. Tzatziki Sauce

No Greek meal is complete without tzatziki! This creamy, refreshing cucumber-yogurt dip is perfect for serving alongside your meatballs or as a topping on many Mediterranean dishes.

These recipes will complement your Greek chicken meatballs and help expand your Mediterranean-inspired meal collection!

Conclusion

These Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo are a must-try for anyone craving a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal. With their juicy chicken meatballs, fresh herbs, tangy feta, and zesty lemon orzo, this dish is bursting with flavor and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, it’s an easy, protein-packed option that’s as tasty as it is versatile.

Don’t forget to give this recipe a try and share your creations with us on Instagram using #BeesRecipes – we can’t wait to see how you make this dish your own!