Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo : 7 Bright & Bold Flavors

Dinner in a Hurry? These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Have You Covered!

You know those evenings when the clock strikes 5:30 p.m., the kids are “starving” (again), and you’re standing in front of your fridge like it’s going to hand you dinner on a silver platter? Yeah, same here. That’s exactly why Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is my go-to midweek magic trick.

This dish is bright, cozy, and downright satisfying. It’s got the tang of lemon, the creaminess of feta, and the herby goodness that will transport your taste buds straight to a breezy Greek island—minus the long flight and jet lag. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples and just one pan (well, okay, maybe two), making cleanup a breeze.

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

Let’s be real—chicken meatballs with lemon orzo are the comfort food upgrade we all need. They’re juicy, flavorful, and loaded with fresh herbs like dill and parsley. The orzo? Oh honey, it’s like risotto’s laid-back cousin: creamy, lemony, and ready in 10 minutes.

Whether you’re juggling carpools, Zoom meetings, or just your own hunger, this recipe checks all the boxes:

Quick and easy (under 40 minutes!)
Kid-friendly but elevated enough for guests
Great for meal prepping or next-day lunches

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients might already be lounging in your kitchen:

For the Chicken Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus 2 Tbsp for garnish)
1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 large egg, beaten
Zest from 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)

For the Lemon Orzo:

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
Juice from 1 lemon
Zest from 1 lemon
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Mix & Roll

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, feta, herbs, egg, and half the lemon zest. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently—no overworking or you’ll end up with tough meatballs.

Pro tip: I like to use a cookie scoop to keep them uniform. Aim for golf ball-sized.

Step 2: Sizzle Away

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Set them aside and try not to snack on them all (guilty as charged).

Step 3: Make That Dreamy Orzo

In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender but with a slight bite. Drain any excess broth if needed.

Then stir in the olive oil, remaining lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss in a little extra parsley for good measure.

Step 4: Plate Like a Pro

Spoon a generous heap of lemon orzo onto plates, top with meatballs, and sprinkle with extra feta and parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Ditch the stress: Don’t sweat if your meatballs aren’t perfectly round. They’ll still taste amazing.
Orzo swap? Try couscous or rice if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep the lemon and herbs for that Greek flair.
Leftovers tip: Store meatballs and orzo separately to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

Close-up of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo, garnished with parsley and lemon slices.

A Little Backstory From My Kitchen to Yours

I first made these on a chaotic Tuesday when my fridge was a graveyard of half-used herbs and a lonely lemon. After some pantry-diving and a lot of wishful thinking, this gem was born—and my family devoured it.

It’s now on regular rotation, especially when I want something that feels special but doesn’t ask too much of me (because some nights, even chopping an onion feels like a major commitment, am I right?).

FAQs About Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cook time—turkey can dry out faster.

How should I store leftovers?

Pop meatballs and orzo into separate airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to bring back the creaminess.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes! You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 2 months. I’d recommend making the orzo fresh for best texture.

Why are my chicken meatballs falling apart?

This usually means the mixture needs more binder. Make sure you’re using the full amount of breadcrumbs and egg. Also, avoid overmixing—the goal is just enough to hold everything together without turning it into a paste.

What do you serve Greek meatballs with?

Besides lemon orzo (which is a total win!), these meatballs are great with pita, a cucumber-tomato salad, tzatziki sauce, or even over a bed of greens for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is the kind of meal that brings sunshine to your dinner table, even when the weather’s gray and your to-do list is a mile long. It’s flavorful, fun, and foolproof—what more could you want on a busy weeknight?

Give it a try this week, and let me know how it turns out. And if your kids beg for seconds, don’t say I didn’t warn you 😉.

Craving More Chicken Magic? Try These Flavor-Packed Favorites!

If you fell in love with the zesty comfort of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo, you’re in for a treat! I’ve rounded up a few more reader-favorite chicken dishes that are perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something just a little extra. Each recipe brings its own twist of flavor, from Mediterranean flair to crispy, cheesy indulgence—and they pair beautifully with the vibe of today’s dish. Here are a few delicious ways to keep the chicken magic going:

For a crispy twist on Greek flavor, don’t miss these Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders—perfect for dipping in tzatziki or piling into a pita.
Love orzo? You’ll adore this Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet—it’s rich, comforting, and comes together in just one pan.
Planning a cookout or craving grill marks? These Pineapple Chicken Kebabs bring the perfect balance of sweet and smoky.
Looking for a refreshing, summer-ready lunch idea? Try this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad packed with bold flavors and vibrant veggies.

Whether you’re keeping dinner cozy or prepping ahead for a busy week, these recipes make it easy—and delicious—to shake up your chicken routine. Give them a try and let your taste buds do a happy dance! 💃🍗