Greek Chicken Meatballs Lemon Orzo (Printable Version)
Juicy Mediterranean meatballs with herbs, feta and lemon zest, paired with bright lemony orzo for a special weeknight dinner.
# Ingredients:
→ For the Greek Chicken Meatballs
01 -
450g ground chicken
02 -
80g almond flour (or 60g finely chopped walnuts or pecans)
03 -
60ml fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 -
2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
05 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
06 -
60g feta cheese, crumbled
07 -
½ tablespoon onion powder (or 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallion or red onion)
08 -
2 teaspoons dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano)
09 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 -
½ teaspoon fine salt
11 -
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 -
Zest of 1 lemon
13 -
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
→ For the Lemon Orzo
14 -
200g dry orzo pasta
15 -
480ml chicken broth
16 -
Juice of 1 lemon
17 -
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
18 -
80g feta cheese, crumbled
19 -
Salt, to taste
20 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Steps:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, almond flour, parsley, dill, garlic, feta, onion powder, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix gently just until combined to prevent dense meatballs.
02 -
Shape the mixture into 1½ to 2-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs for 3-4 minutes, turning to brown all sides, then cover and cook for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
03 -
In the same skillet, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most liquid is absorbed.
04 -
Stir lemon juice and olive oil into the cooked orzo. Season with salt to taste.
05 -
Plate the lemon orzo in bowls topped with meatballs, crumbled feta, and fresh parsley. Offer additional lemon wedges on the side.
# Notes:
01 -
Zest the lemon before juicing for easier preparation and maximum yield.
02 -
Avoid overcooking the meatballs to maintain juiciness in the ground chicken.
03 -
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad or tzatziki.
04 -
Serve with extra fresh herbs, crumbled feta, and lemon wedges for a customizable meal.
05 -
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a relaxed Mediterranean-inspired brunch spread.