Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo – A Flavorful, Protein-Packed Meal

These Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo are the ultimate protein-packed dish, offering a fresh twist on traditional meatballs. Made with ground chicken, feta cheese, and a blend of fragrant dried herbs, these meatballs are bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Paired with a refreshing lemon orzo, they make a satisfying meal that is as delicious as it is healthy. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and makes excellent leftovers. You can substitute the chicken for ground turkey or use quinoa in place of the orzo for a gluten-free version.

Ingredients:

For the Greek Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
  
  

• 1 large egg
  
  

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  
  

• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  
  

• 1 teaspoon each: basil, onion powder, garlic powder, dill, parsley
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  
  

For the Lemon Orzo:

• 1 cup dried orzo (cook according to package instructions)
  
  

• Zest of 1 lemon
  
  

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  
  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  
  

• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional)
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon each: oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon dill
  
  

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatballs. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
   
   

2. Form the mixture into 15 small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
   
   

3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan, making sure they don’t overcrowd. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Once browned, cover the pan and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F.
   
   

4. While the meatballs cook, prepare the orzo by boiling it according to package instructions. Drain and return the orzo to the pot.
   
   

5. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil or butter, Parmesan, and seasonings to the cooked orzo. Stir to combine until the orzo is well coated.
   
   

6. Serve the meatballs over the lemon orzo and enjoy!
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 336 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 24g
  
  

• Protein: 25g
  
  

• Fat: 16g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 7g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
  
  

• Trans Fat: 1g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 132mg
  
  

• Sodium: 507mg
  
  

• Potassium: 566mg
  
  

• Fiber: 1g
  
  

• Sugar: 1g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 215 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 1mg
  
  

• Calcium: 52mg
  
  

• Iron: 2mg