Description
These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo are fresh, herby, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. Juicy ground chicken meatballs seasoned with garlic, oregano, and lemon zest are pan-seared and served over light, lemony orzo tossed with olive oil and fresh parsley. It’s perfect for meal prep, spring dinners, or when you want something healthy and satisfying. Bright, cozy, and totally weeknight-friendly!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1 egg
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½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Lemon Orzo:
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1 cup dry orzo
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Juice and zest of 1 lemon
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¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
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Crumbled feta
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Tzatziki or Greek yogurt drizzle
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Sliced cucumbers, red onion, or cherry tomatoes
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Kalamata olives
Instructions
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Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form into 1½-inch meatballs.
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Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
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Cook the Orzo: While meatballs cook, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions, drain, and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, zest, parsley, and parmesan (if using).
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Assemble Your Bowls: Spoon lemon orzo into bowls, top with warm meatballs, and garnish with toppings of your choice—feta, tzatziki, fresh veggies, or olives.
Notes
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Want to bake the meatballs? Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
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Add chopped spinach or shredded zucchini to the meatballs for a veggie boost.
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Make the meatballs ahead and refrigerate or freeze for easy prep later.
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This dish is delicious warm or at room temperature—great for picnics and meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Meal Prep, Mediterranean
- Method: Stovetop + Skillet
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired, Mediterranean
Keywords: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo