One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

Imagine the savory aroma of perfectly seasoned One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo filling your kitchen as this comforting dish simmers to perfection. This Mediterranean-inspired meal combines tender, juicy chicken meatballs with toasted orzo pasta that absorbs all the rich flavors as it cooks. The beauty of this One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo recipe lies in its simplicity—everything cooks together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. You’ll learn how to create this satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both impressive enough for guests and easy enough for busy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo recipe will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable—using just one pan means less cleanup while creating a complete meal with protein, pasta, and vegetables. The contrast between the golden-brown, herb-infused meatballs and the creamy, tomato-kissed orzo creates a delightful textural experience in every bite.

The orzo pasta transforms as it cooks in the savory broth, absorbing all the flavors from the chicken meatballs and aromatics to create a risotto-like consistency that’s incredibly comforting. The dish strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent, with bright pops of flavor from lemon zest, fresh herbs, and sweet cherry tomatoes that burst as they cook.

This one-pot chicken dinner is also incredibly versatile—it can be prepped ahead, scales easily for crowds, and leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or sophisticated palates, this Mediterranean-inspired skillet meal satisfies everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo, you’ll need these essential ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
• 1/4 cup (25g) breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the orzo:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) dry orzo pasta
• 2 1/2 cups (600ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Zest of one lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

The ground chicken creates lighter meatballs than traditional beef or pork versions, while the combination of herbs and Parmesan adds depth of flavor. The orzo pasta is the perfect size to cook quickly in the same pan as the meatballs, absorbing all the delicious flavors in the process.

Pro Tips

Perfect Meatball Formation: The key to tender chicken meatballs is avoiding overmixing. Combine the ingredients until just incorporated, then use slightly wet hands to form the meatballs. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your fingers and helps create uniformly sized meatballs that will cook evenly. Aim for meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter—small enough to cook through quickly but large enough to remain juicy.

Toasting the Orzo: Before adding liquid to your One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo, take the time to toast the dry orzo pasta in olive oil until it turns lightly golden. This crucial step develops a nutty flavor in the pasta and helps the orzo maintain its texture during cooking rather than becoming mushy. Stir frequently during this process to ensure even browning and to prevent burning.

Managing the Liquid: The perfect One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo has a creamy consistency similar to risotto. If your orzo seems too dry during cooking, add additional broth 1/4 cup at a time, allowing it to absorb before evaluating if more is needed. Conversely, if there’s too much liquid at the end of cooking time, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to reduce the excess liquid. Remember that the dish will continue to thicken as it stands.

Instructions

Step 1

Combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, fresh parsley, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently using your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture. With slightly dampened hands, form the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer the browned meatballs to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil, toasting it for about 2 minutes until it begins to turn golden brown.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and dried oregano, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 5

Carefully nestle the browned meatballs into the orzo mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring gently halfway through, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid and the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 6

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes. The orzo will continue to absorb any remaining liquid and become creamy. Sprinkle with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving your One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Transform your One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo into a Greek-inspired dish by adding 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1 cup of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking. The olives provide a briny bite, while the feta melts slightly into the warm orzo, creating a creamy, tangy sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill instead of basil for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.

Vegetable-Packed Option: For a more nutritious chicken orzo skillet meal, incorporate 1 diced zucchini, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 cup of baby spinach. Add the zucchini and bell pepper when you add the cherry tomatoes, and stir in the spinach just before serving to allow it to wilt from the residual heat. This variation boosts the vegetable content while maintaining the comforting nature of the original dish.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: This recipe can easily be made dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese from both the meatballs and the garnish. Instead, add nutritional yeast to the meatball mixture for a cheesy flavor, and incorporate a tablespoon of olive oil at the end of cooking to maintain the creamy texture. The resulting one-pot chicken meatball dish is just as flavorful and suitable for those with dairy restrictions.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore its creamy consistency. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

For serving, present this chicken meatball skillet meal family-style, bringing the entire pan to the table for a rustic presentation that showcases the colorful dish. Accompany it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the meal. For a complete Mediterranean feast, serve with warm pita bread for scooping up the creamy orzo.

This dish also makes an excellent meal prep option—portion it into individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making next-day leftovers even more delicious. For a special touch when serving guests, garnish with additional fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of good quality olive oil.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for the meatballs?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for chicken in this One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo recipe. The cooking time and technique remain the same, though turkey can sometimes be slightly leaner, so be careful not to overcook the meatballs.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
If orzo isn’t available, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini, stelline, or even broken spaghetti. Cooking times may vary slightly, so test the pasta for doneness before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the meatballs up to a day in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator. The completed dish can be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated before serving.

Is there a way to make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture and another pinch when sautéing the onions and garlic for a pleasant heat throughout the dish.

Can I freeze this one-pan meal?
Yes, this One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of broth to restore the creamy texture.

Conclusion

This One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender, herb-infused meatballs and creamy, tomato-kissed pasta that comes together effortlessly in a single skillet. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special dinner, without the fuss of multiple pots and complicated techniques. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this Mediterranean-inspired meal delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, proving that delicious, wholesome cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite one-pan wonder!

Print