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One-Pan Greek Chicken Meatballs and Lemon Orzo

One-Pan Greek Chicken Meatballs and Lemon Orzo

Delicious One-Pan Greek Chicken Meatballs and Lemon Orzo recipe that combines juicy meatballs with tangy lemon orzo for a perfect meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 12-inch frying pan or skillet

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs

  • 1 large lemon zest about 1 tablespoon
  • cup medium shallot finely diced
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons half-and-half or whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 pound ground chicken preferably dark meat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the orzo

  • 3 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 ½ cups dried orzo pasta
  • 3 ounces feta cheese crumbled (about ½ cup)
  • 1 large lemon juice about ¼ cup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped, plus more for garnish

Instructions
 

Make the meatballs

  • Stir the finely grated zest of 1 large lemon, 1 finely diced medium shallot, 1 large egg, 4 minced garlic cloves, ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, 2 tablespoons half-and-half, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper together in a large bowl.
  • Add 1 pound ground chicken and mix until evenly combined; do not overmix or the meatballs will be tough. Scoop out the mixture in heaping 2-tablespoon portions (about 20) and roll between damp hands until a smooth ball forms. Place on a plate.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 12-inch frying pan or skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball registers at least 165°F, 12 to 15 minutes total. Transfer to a clean plate.

Make the orzo

  • Add 3 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt to the same skillet (no need to wash) and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in 1 ½ cups dried orzo. Cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute less than al dente and most of the broth is absorbed, about 9 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 3 ounces crumbed feta cheese, the juice of 1 large lemon, and 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and cook until the meatballs are warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes more. Garnish with more chopped dill if desired.

Notes

Ground turkey, ground lamb, or lean ground beef can be substituted for the ground chicken. The meatballs can be prepared and refrigerated raw or cooked up to 2 days in advance or frozen in a single layer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before continuing with the recipe. If the meatballs are fully cooked, bake in a 400ºF oven until heated through before adding them to the orzo. Refrigerate leftover meatballs and orzo in separate containers for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Healthy Recipe, Lemon Orzo, One-Pan Greek Chicken Meatballs, weeknight meal
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