Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs and Orzo
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs and Orzo is a delightful dish that transports you to sunny shores with every bite. Juicy chicken meatballs infused with vibrant herbs and spices are served over fluffy orzo pasta, creating a comforting yet impressive meal. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, showcasing the best of Mediterranean flavors while being simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, garlic, parsley, feta, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cook orzo in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice.
- Add cooked orzo and meatballs to the skillet; toss gently to combine.
- Serve warm, drizzled with extra lemon juice if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the meatball mixture. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free orzo or another pasta option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.