Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs and Orzo
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs and Orzo is a vibrant dish that captures the essence of the Mediterranean with its aromatic blend of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. Juicy chicken meatballs sit atop tender orzo pasta, all enveloped in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this easy-to-make recipe is customizable to suit your taste preferences, ensuring it becomes a favorite on your dining table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, feta cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them in the baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, cook orzo according to package instructions; drain well.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth and simmer gently.
- Toss cooked orzo with the sauce before serving with meatballs on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with orzo (approx. 225g)
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize your meatballs by adding vegetables like spinach or using different herbs such as basil or oregano for varied flavors.