Description
These Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Orzo are a delightful twist on traditional meatballs, packed with zesty flavors and creamy textures that will satisfy your taste buds. Tender chicken meatballs infused with lemon and garlic are paired with a luscious creamy orzo base, creating a harmonious and comforting dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well without overworking.
- Form meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 7-9 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare orzo base: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Cook orzo: Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Make creamy sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Combine and serve: Return meatballs to skillet, gently mix with creamy orzo. Simmer 3-4 minutes to heat through. Serve with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs, Orzo Recipe, Creamy Orzo, Chicken Meatballs Recipe
