One-Pan Greek Chicken Meatballs and Lemon Orzo
This one-pan Greek chicken meatballs and lemon orzo combines fresh flavors in a delicious and easy recipe.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Dinner
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal
For the meatballs
- 1 tablespoon finely grated zest of lemon (about 1 large lemon)
- ⅓ cup medium shallot, finely diced (about 1 medium shallot)
- 1 large egg
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves (about ¼ medium bunch)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill (about ½ medium bunch)
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half or whole milk
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 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)
- ¼ cup juice of lemon (about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill (plus more for garnish)
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.
Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Chicken Meatballs, easy dinner, Lemon Orzo, One-Pan Greek Chicken Meatballs, quick recipe