Description

Quick Greek Chicken Meatballs With Lemon Orzo is the kind of easy dinner that feels bright, cozy, and satisfying all at once. Juicy chicken meatballs packed with garlic, herbs, and feta are tucked into creamy lemon orzo for a quick breakfast-for-dinner option, an easy dinner, or one of those reliable food ideas you keep coming back to. It is fresh, comforting, family-friendly, and full of Mediterranean flavor, making it a great choice for weeknight meals, simple dinner ideas, and easy recipe inspiration.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken

1/3 cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp dried oregano

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

1 cup dry orzo

2 1/4 cups chicken broth

1 tsp lemon zest

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, feta, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.

2. Form the mixture into about 16 small meatballs.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and mostly cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

4. In the same skillet, add the dry orzo and stir for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast it.

5. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Cook the orzo for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and spinach until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.

8. Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until fully cooked through.

9. Serve warm, with extra parsley, feta, or lemon if desired.

Notes

For extra tender meatballs, mix the chicken mixture gently and stop as soon as everything is combined.

If the orzo thickens too much while resting or reheating, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Greek-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 510
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 980
Fat: 21
Saturated Fat: 7
Unsaturated Fat: 12
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 2
Protein: 39
Cholesterol: 135

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