Zesty Lemon Orzo with Greek-Style Chicken Meatballs
This vibrant dish combines juicy Greek-style chicken meatballs with zesty lemon orzo, making for a flavorful, balanced meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is packed with Mediterranean spices and fresh ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fry, Boil
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: 1 lb (450g)
- Lemon zest: 1 lemon
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp (from 1 lemon)
- Fresh herbs:
- Oregano: 1 tsp
- Parsley: 2 tbsp (chopped)
- Dill: 1 tbsp (chopped)
- Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
- Orzo pasta: 1 cup (dry)
- Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Feta cheese: 1/4 cup (crumbled)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (for cooking meatballs and orzo)
- Salt: 1 tsp (or to taste)
- Pepper: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
Instructions
-
Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, garlic, lemon zest, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1-2 inch meatballs. Cook in olive oil in a skillet for 6-8 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). -
Cook the Orzo:
Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain, then stir in olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. -
Assemble the Dish:
Serve the orzo on plates, top with chicken meatballs. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt and crumbled feta. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Make the meatballs ahead of time and store in the fridge for enhanced flavor.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for chicken.
- Add roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to the orzo for extra bulk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (with 3 meatballs)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 85mg