Description
Indulge in Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo, a vibrant dish that transports your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. These succulent chicken meatballs, infused with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, sit atop tender orzo pasta, creating a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, parsley, mint, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, bring chicken broth to a boil in a pot. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes).
- Drain excess liquid from the orzo if needed; toss with lemon juice and zest before serving alongside the meatballs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added flavor complexity, consider substituting ground turkey or lamb for the chicken. You can also mix in olives or feta cheese for extra zest. Serve with grilled vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.