Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo – A Fresh & Flavorful Mediterranean Meal

If you’re looking for a bright, fresh, and satisfying meal, these Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo are exactly what you need! Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken meatballs paired with a zesty, buttery lemon orzo make for a dish that’s comforting yet light. Every bite is bursting with Mediterranean flavors—garlic, oregano, feta, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

I love how simple yet impressive this meal is. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but also special enough to serve to guests. Plus, it comes together in under an hour, making it an easy go-to for busy days.

And if you’re a fan of Mediterranean-inspired meals, be sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

• Healthy and protein-packed – Lean ground chicken makes this a light yet satisfying meal.
• Bold Mediterranean flavors – Herbs, garlic, feta, and lemon bring everything to life!
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients, quick cooking, and minimal effort.
• Perfectly balanced – The juicy meatballs pair beautifully with the bright, citrusy orzo.

What Does This Dish Taste Like?

These Greek Chicken Meatballs are juicy, tender, and full of warm Mediterranean spices, while the Lemon Orzo is light, buttery, and slightly tangy from the fresh lemon juice. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, herby, and citrusy flavors that will leave you wanting more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For the Lemon Orzo:

• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Ground chicken – Swap with ground turkey or beef for a different take.
• Feta cheese – If you’re not a fan, try grated Parmesan or leave it out.
• Orzo – Sub with couscous or rice if needed.
• Extra veggies? Stir in spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

1. Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, feta, parsley, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Stir until everything is well combined.

2. Form the Meatballs

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small meatballs. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

3. Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F / 75°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. Prepare the Lemon Orzo

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute.

5. Cook the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

6. Add Lemon & Herbs

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley. For a creamier texture, mix in some grated Parmesan.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

Plate the lemon orzo, top with the Greek chicken meatballs, and garnish with extra parsley and feta. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side.

What to Serve with Greek Chicken Meatballs & Lemon Orzo

This dish is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

• Tzatziki sauce – For an extra creamy dip.
• Greek salad – A fresh side with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
• Roasted vegetables – Like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
• Pita bread – Perfect for scooping up every bite!

If you love Mediterranean flavors, check out these Creamy Pasta Recipes for more delicious ideas!

Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Meatballs

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture – This keeps them light and tender.
• Use a cookie scoop – This ensures evenly sized meatballs for even cooking.
• Toast the orzo before adding liquid – It adds a richer, nuttier flavor.
• Taste & adjust the lemon – If you love extra tang, add more lemon juice at the end!

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze meatballs (cooked or uncooked) for up to 3 months. Store orzo separately for best texture.
• Reheat: Warm meatballs and orzo in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and keeps the same great flavors.

How do I make these meatballs dairy-free?

Simply omit the feta cheese and use a dairy-free butter substitute for the orzo.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes or until fully cooked.

What if I don’t have orzo?

You can substitute it with couscous, quinoa, or even small pasta like ditalini.

Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Mediterranean Meal!

These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo are a perfect balance of fresh, herby, and savory flavors. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a special dinner, this dish is a winner!

For more tasty recipes, check out:

• Creamy Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles – A rich and comforting dish perfect for cozy nights.
• [Roasted Tomatoes with Burrata & Balsamic]– A fresh, flavorful appetizer to pair with this meal.

Tried this recipe? Snap a pic and tag me on Pinterest at TheKitchenJoyy. Can’t wait to see your creations! 🍋🇬🇷💙