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Greek Chicken Meatballs Orzo 61.png

Greek Chicken Meatballs Orzo

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🍽️ Greek Meatballs with Lemon Butter Orzo and Creamy Whipped Feta offer a delicious fusion of tender meatballs with zesty, buttery orzo and smooth feta.
🍋 This recipe balances fresh herbs and tangy flavors to create a satisfying and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground chicken

– 1 shallot

– 2 cloves garlic

– 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried)

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– A pinch of red pepper flakes

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 lemon, sliced, plus 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice

– 2 tablespoons butter

– 1 cup orzo pasta

– 1/2 cup green olives

– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, plus more for serving

– 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, and reserved oil

– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

– Arugula and fresh herbs for serving

– 8 ounces feta cheese

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1-In a bowl, mix 1 pound ground chicken, 1 chopped shallot, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried), 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until just combined. Oil your hands with 2 tablespoons olive oil and roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs (about 14-15).

2-Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning 2-3 times until crisp and cooked through. Remove the meatballs to a plate.

3-Add 2 tablespoons butter and the sliced lemon to the skillet and cook the lemons until golden, about 1 minute per side. Remove the lemons and add the remaining 1 clove minced garlic and 1 cup orzo pasta to the skillet. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and the orzo is toasted, about 2-3 minutes.

4-Pour in 2 1/2 cups water and 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice. Bring to a boil, stirring often, until the orzo is al dente, about 7-8 minutes.

5-Stir in 1/2 cup green olives and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill. Return the meatballs and seared lemons to the skillet to warm through.

6-For the sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, whisk together 1/4 cup reserved sun-dried tomato oil, lemon juice from the remaining 3-4 tablespoons, and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Stir in the chopped 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tablespoon dill, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

7-To make the whipped feta, blend 8 ounces feta cheese, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a food processor until smooth and creamy.

8-To serve, spread the whipped feta on plates, drizzle with the vinaigrette, add the orzo, meatballs, seared lemons, arugula, and fresh herbs.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍳 Skipping egg or breadcrumbs keeps meatballs light and healthy.
🔥 Meatballs can be baked if stove space is limited.
🧀 Whipped feta adds creamy saltiness; crumble if preferred.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Searing and simmering
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 563