Name: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 17 reviews

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo, a dish that perfectly captures the vibrant, sunny flavors of Greece. Tender chicken meatballs bursting with herbs and citrus sit proudly atop fluffy, lemon-kissed orzo, creating a symphony of aromas and textures in every bite. Incredibly easy to bring together with everyday ingredients, this comforting meal is family-friendly, meal-prep approved, and guaranteed to make any dinner feel like a special getaway. There’s nothing quite like the blend of juicy meatballs, tangy lemon, and salty feta that makes this recipe an instant favorite!

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity never tasted so rich! Every ingredient in Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo plays a crucial part in layering flavor, color, and irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you embark on your Greek-inspired kitchen adventure.

Ground chicken: Lean and full of protein, it’s the base for those juicy, flavorful meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind everything together while locking in moisture for tender meatballs.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and a nutty bite you’ll absolutely love.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a gentle sweetness and beautiful color in the mix.
Garlic: Two cloves for that essential aromatic lift in every morsel.
Egg: Just one, acting as the glue to hold our meatballs together.
Fresh parsley: Brightens both the meatball mix and the orzo, lending an unmistakable freshness.
Dried oregano: Classic Greek flavor that infuses each bite with earthy, herby notes.
Salt and black pepper: Perfectly seasons the entire dish, enhancing all other flavors.
Lemon zest: Adds zing to the meatballs and a burst of citrus essential to Greek cooking.
Orzo pasta: The quick-cooking, rice-shaped pasta that cradles all those bright flavors.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with savory goodness as it cooks.
Olive oil: Silkiness for the orzo, plus a faint fruity note that sings of the Mediterranean.
Feta cheese: The crowning touch—crumbly, tangy, and undeniably Greek.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a pop of brightness in every forkful.
Additional parsley and lemon wedges: Optional but highly recommended for garnishing and extra color.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your meatballs don’t stick and cleanup is a total breeze. This will ensure your Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is as fuss-free as it is delicious.

Step 2: Mix Up the Meatball Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and bring together your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, red onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to combine until everything is evenly distributed. The mixture should be moist yet able to hold its shape—this is what yields those perfectly juicy, flavorful meatballs!

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

With clean, damp hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they brown up nicely. Depending on the size, you should get about 18–20 meatballs—just right for a hearty serving of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden hue and a thermometer reading of 165°F (74°C). While they cook, your kitchen will fill with tempting, savory aromas that will have everyone hovering nearby.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Orzo

As those meatballs transform in the oven, set a saucepan on the stove and bring your broth to a gentle boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Cooking orzo in broth rather than water guarantees it soaks up all that savory flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Zesty Orzo

Once your orzo is ready, drain any excess liquid, then return the pasta to the pan. Drizzle with olive oil, toss in the crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and the juice of one lemon. Season generously with salt and pepper, then give everything a good stir. The result? A creamy, tangy, herb-flecked orzo that perfectly complements the meatballs.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

When the meatballs have finished baking, remove them from the oven and serve warm atop a bed of lemon orzo. Sprinkle with more parsley, add a squeeze of lemon, and offer some lemon wedges on the side for extra zing. Your Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is ready to wow!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley, a crumble of creamy feta, and a few extra lemon wedges take this dish from everyday to extraordinary. These little touches add color, fragrance, and a final hit of flavor you and your guests will remember.

Side Dishes

For a truly Mediterranean feast, serve your Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo alongside a classic Greek salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, or some warm, fluffy pita bread. A dollop of tzatziki would be a refreshing addition too!

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight dinners, serve family-style, letting everyone dig in. If you’re entertaining, try plating individual portions in shallow bowls or packing the meatballs and orzo into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. You can even skewer the meatballs for a fun party appetizer with orzo on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a wonderful choice for meal-prepping lunches or a second round of dinners.

Freezing

Both the cooked meatballs and orzo freeze well! Place cooled meatballs and orzo in separate freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months—ideal for those days when you need a homemade meal in a snap.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs in the microwave or a 350°F oven until warmed through. The orzo can be gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore its creamy texture. Add a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of feta just before serving to refresh those vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe and delivers similar flavor and texture. Just be sure to use a ground turkey with a bit of fat (not breast only) for the juiciest meatballs.

Is there a gluten-free option for this dish?

Yes! Swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free orzo. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy substitution.

Can I make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo dairy-free?

You sure can. Omit the Parmesan and feta, or replace them with your favorite dairy-free cheese. Make sure to check your breadcrumbs as well, as some may contain dairy.

What if I don’t have orzo?

No worries! You can substitute another small pasta shape such as rice-shaped pasta (risoni), couscous, or even white rice. The lemony, herby flavors will shine just as brightly.

How do I keep my meatballs from coming out dry?

Be sure not to overmix your meatball mixture, as this can make them tough. Also, don’t overbake; check for doneness right at 20 minutes. The addition of breadcrumbs and Parmesan helps seal in the juices for a tender result.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor, looks stunning, and comes together with ease, you can’t go wrong with Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo. I hope you enjoy making—and sharing—this dish as much as I do. Give it a try, and let a little Greek sunshine into your kitchen!