Name: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 egg; 1/3 cup bread crumbs; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup crumbled feta; Fresh dill, optional for garnish

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This Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo recipe is a bright, flavorful meal packed with herbs, citrus, and Mediterranean goodness. Juicy chicken meatballs are seasoned to perfection and paired with a zesty lemon orzo that brings everything together in a comforting, satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings a fresh twist to weeknight dinners. The chicken meatballs are tender, juicy, and infused with Greek herbs like oregano and parsley. The lemon orzo is creamy, tangy, and perfectly complements the meatballs. It’s a full meal in one pan that feels both light and hearty. Plus, it comes together quickly and makes great leftovers.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground chicken
Garlic
Fresh parsley
Dried oregano
Lemon zest
Egg
Bread crumbs
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Orzo pasta
Chicken broth
Lemon juice
Crumbled feta
Fresh dill (optional for garnish)

Directions

I start by mixing the ground chicken with garlic, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Then I form small meatballs and brown them in a large skillet with olive oil until golden on all sides.
I remove the meatballs and in the same pan, I toast the orzo until lightly golden.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and creamy.
I add lemon juice, return the meatballs to the pan, and let everything simmer for a few minutes until fully cooked.
I finish the dish with crumbled feta and fresh dill, then serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I like to add chopped spinach or kale to the orzo for a veggie boost. Swapping the ground chicken for ground turkey also works beautifully. For a spicier version, I mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. When I want to make it dairy-free, I simply skip the feta or use a plant-based version.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the orzo, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How do I keep chicken meatballs from drying out?

I make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture and avoid overcooking them. The addition of breadcrumbs and egg helps keep them moist.

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, I’ve used small pasta shapes like couscous or ditalini, but orzo works best for that creamy texture.

What can I use instead of feta?

Goat cheese or a dairy-free feta substitute works well, or I just leave it out if I want a lighter dish.

Can I freeze this recipe?

I recommend freezing the cooked meatballs separately. Orzo doesn’t always thaw well, so I prefer making that fresh.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and swapping regular orzo for a gluten-free pasta alternative.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is one of those meals I keep coming back to. It’s easy to make, full of vibrant flavors, and feels like a Mediterranean escape on a plate. Whether for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this dish is always a win.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Greek
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a bright and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken meatballs and creamy lemon-infused orzo, topped with feta and fresh herbs.

Instructions

Mix ground chicken with garlic, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Form small meatballs and brown them in a large skillet with olive oil until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, toast the orzo until lightly golden.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and creamy.
Add lemon juice, return meatballs to the pan, and simmer until fully cooked through.
Top with crumbled feta and fresh dill before serving.