What do you have with Greek meatballs?

Greek meatballs are super versatile! You can serve them with tzatziki sauce, a simple Greek salad, warm pita bread, or roasted vegetables. But honestly, this greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo recipe is a complete meal on its own. The orzo acts like both a side dish and sauce at the same time.

What to have with Greek lemon chicken?

Greek lemon chicken pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh village salad. The bright citrus flavors work amazingly with Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. That's exactly why this greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo combination works so well together.

What pairs well with lemon chicken orzo?

Lemon chicken orzo is pretty filling on its own, but it's fantastic with a crisp Greek salad, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach. The creamy orzo in this greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo recipe benefits from something fresh and crunchy on the side to balance everything out.

What meat is used in Greek meatballs?

Traditional Greek meatballs (called keftedes) usually use ground lamb, beef, or a combination of both. But these greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo use ground chicken, which is lighter and absorbs the Mediterranean herbs beautifully. You can also substitute ground turkey or pork if that's what you have.

What three meats go into meatballs?

The classic Italian-style meatball combo is ground beef, pork, and veal. This mix gives you perfect flavor balance and texture. But for greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo , we keep it simple with just chicken, which works perfectly with all those Mediterranean flavors.

Where was the first meatball created?

That's actually a hotly debated topic! Meatball-like dishes appear in ancient Roman and Persian cooking, but nobody knows for sure where they started. Different cultures developed their own versions using whatever meat and spices they had locally. Greek meatballs have their own unique history, and this greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo recipe is my modern twist on those traditional flavors.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe: Amazing 30-Minute Mediterranean Meal

Name: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground chicken; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced small; 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons good olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1.5 cups orzo pasta; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 3 tablespoons good olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

Tender Greek chicken meatballs paired with bright lemon orzo create the perfect Mediterranean comfort meal. Fresh herbs, citrus, and feta cheese make this dish both healthy and satisfying

Ingredients

For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:

1.5 lbs ground chicken

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 large egg

1/2 medium yellow onion, diced small

3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons good olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Lemon Orzo:

1.5 cups orzo pasta

3 cups chicken broth

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons lemon zest

3 tablespoons good olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Making the Greek Chicken Meatballs:

Combine everything gently: Put your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and diced onion in a big bowl. Use your hands but don’t go crazy. Mix just until everything comes together. Overworking the meat makes tough, chewy meatballs.
Add the flavor bombs: Fold in all those beautiful fresh herbs (dill, parsley, mint), garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, and seasonings. Cook a tiny spoonful to taste for seasoning if needed.
Let it chill: Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. The breadcrumbs need time to absorb moisture, and all those flavors need to get acquainted.
Roll them right: Wet your hands slightly (keeps the meat from sticking) and roll into balls about 1.5 inches across. Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform size if you have one.
Bake to perfection: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes. They should be golden brown and hit 165°F inside. No flipping needed!

Making the Lemon Orzo:

Start with the good stuff: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells incredible.
Toast the orzo (this is the game-changer): Add the dry orzo to the pan and stir it around for 2-3 minutes. This toasting step adds amazing nutty flavor that makes people wonder what you did differently.
Add liquid like you’re making risotto: Pour in chicken broth gradually while stirring constantly. This creates the creamiest texture without any cream. Takes about 12-15 minutes, and it’s totally worth it.
Hit it with the brightness: Once the orzo is tender, stir in fresh lemon juice and zest. Don’t skip this step – it’s what makes this dish absolutely sing.
Combine and serve: Gently nestle your cooked meatballs into the orzo, then fold in cherry tomatoes, fresh dill, and crumbled feta. Let everything warm through for 2 minutes and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture for tender results
Fresh herbs make a huge difference in flavor
Toast the orzo for added nutty depth
Can be made ahead and reheated gently with extra broth
Perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Mediterranean Dinner Recipes
Method: Baking and Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 425 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95 mg