why make this recipe
Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo Delight is a perfect meal for any occasion. These meatballs are flavorful and packed with healthy ingredients. They combine the classic flavors of Greek cuisine with a twist of zesty lemon, making them refreshing and satisfying. This dish is not only easy to make but also nutritious, thanks to the use of ground chicken and whole grain orzo. It’s a great way to enjoy a wholesome dinner that the whole family will love!
how to make Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo Delight
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Ground Chicken (or ground turkey as a substitute)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred for added fiber)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (minced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 large Egg (acts as a binder)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano (dried or fresh, as preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta (whole grain for a healthier twist)
- 4 cups Broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1/2 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for flavor)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Directions:
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Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced red onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
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Cooking Orzo: In a medium pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
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Combining: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Shape the meat mixture into meatballs and cook them in the skillet until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
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Finishing touches: In the same pot with the orzo, add feta cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Serve the meatballs over the zesty orzo mixture.
how to serve Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo Delight
Serve these juicy meatballs over a bed of the zesty lemon orzo. You can garnish with extra chopped parsley and crumbled feta on top for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.
how to store Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo Delight
To store leftovers, place the meatballs and orzo in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving again. You can also freeze the meatballs separately from the orzo for longer storage.
tips to make Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo Delight
- For extra flavor, try adding some chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the meatball mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, include some red pepper flakes in the meatball mixture.
- Make sure not to overcook the meatballs; they will dry out. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F).
variation
For a vegetarian option, you can replace ground chicken with lentils or crumbled tempeh. The flavor will still be delicious, and it will keep the spirit of the dish intact!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen ground chicken for this recipe?
Yes, frozen ground chicken is fine! Just make sure to thaw it completely before mixing with other ingredients. -
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a light yogurt sauce works well as a side dish. -
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them.
Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Flavorful and nutritious Greek chicken meatballs served over zesty lemon orzo.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Chicken (or ground turkey as a substitute)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred for added fiber)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (minced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 large Egg (acts as a binder)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano (dried or fresh, as preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta (whole grain for a healthier twist)
- 4 cups Broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1/2 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced red onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- In a medium pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Shape the meat mixture into meatballs and cook them in the skillet until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- In the same pot with the orzo, add feta cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Serve the meatballs over the zesty orzo mixture.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding some chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the meatball mixture. If you prefer a spicier dish, include some red pepper flakes in the meatball mixture. Make sure not to overcook the meatballs; they will dry out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek