Description
Try these flavorful Greek chicken meatballs with zesty lemon orzo for a quick and healthy dinner option. Perfect for a taste of Greece at home!
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground chicken
¼ cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tbsp (8g) fresh dill, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red onion, finely diced (about ½ cup/80g)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
⅓ cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil for cooking
1½ cups (300g) orzo pasta
3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup (20g) fresh baby spinach
¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, feta, parsley, dill, garlic, onion, oregano, lemon zest, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined and let rest for 10 minutes.
- With damp hands, form mixture into 16-18 meatballs (about 1½ inches each).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (2-3 minutes per side).
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until meatballs reach 165°F internally. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, spinach, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Cover and let rest 2 minutes.
- Garnish with additional herbs and lemon wedges before serving.