Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs Orzo

When Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs Orzo is on the menu, you just know it’s going to be a good night. This one-pan wonder is cozy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple—perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or when you’re just not in the mood to do a mountain of dishes. (Been there.)

It brings together juicy, lemon-kissed chicken meatballs with creamy, Parmesan-loaded orzo in a garlicky, dreamy sauce. In other words, this dish is like a warm hug in a bowl with just the right zing.

Whether you’re wrangling kids, trying to impress your partner, or simply feeding yourself with style, this one’s got your back.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs Orzo

Let’s start with the obvious: it’s easy. No fancy tools, no weird ingredients, just real food and big flavor. But it also checks off a lot of boxes:

• Quick: Ready in under 40 minutes, and most of that is hands-off.
• One-pan magic: Fewer dishes = more time for you.
• Kid-approved: The meatballs are mild but flavorful—and fun to eat!
• Impressive enough for guests: Yes, it’s that good.

This is one of those meals that tastes like you really tried (even if you were totally winging it between Zoom calls and soccer practice).

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 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—but lovely)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Creamy Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Let’s Cook This Thing

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a big ol’ bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, lemon zest and juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix—just combine until it holds together. Overworking = tough meatballs, and nobody wants that.

Roll into 1-inch meatballs using your hands. It should yield about 20 cute little meatballs.

Step 2: Sizzle Time

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add the meatballs and cook for 7–9 minutes, turning now and then, until browned and cooked through. Set them aside and try not to eat them all while you make the orzo. (No judgment if you do.)

Step 3: Toast That Orzo

In the same skillet (yay for one-pan meals!), add a splash more oil or butter if needed and sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and let it toast for 2–3 minutes. It adds a rich, nutty flavor you’ll love.

Step 4: Simmer It Up

Pour in the chicken broth. Let it simmer for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo should be tender, and most of the liquid absorbed.

Step 5: Creamy Goodness

Now the fun part: stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Let it cook for 2 more minutes to get nice and thick.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Return the meatballs to the skillet and nestle them into that creamy orzo. Let everything simmer together for 3–4 minutes to mingle those flavors. Sprinkle with parsley, add lemon wedges, and dig in!

Cooking Tips from My Kitchen

• Use your hands for mixing the meatballs—it gives you better control. (Plus, it’s oddly satisfying.)
• If you don’t have orzo, you can sub in small pasta like ditalini or even couscous—but orzo really gives it that creamy risotto-ish vibe.
• Want it lighter? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even Greek yogurt (just don’t boil it too hard or it may curdle).
• These meatballs freeze like a dream. Make a double batch and thank yourself later.

My Go-To Weeknight Hero

This dish became a permanent rotation in my kitchen after a friend came over for dinner and asked if I actually made it from scratch. She thought it was takeout from some fancy place—and honestly, I took it as a huge win. Since then, it’s my “I want comfort food, but I also want to impress” recipe. And now, it’s yours too!

FAQs About Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs Orzo

Conclusion

When you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and full of fresh flavor, Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs Orzo is here to rescue dinner time. It’s comfort food without the fuss—and the kind of meal that just feels like home. With its zesty lemon brightness, garlicky warmth, and luscious, cheesy orzo, every bite is like a little escape from the chaos of the day.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe brings the kind of satisfaction that only a truly good home-cooked meal can offer. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, so don’t be surprised if your family starts requesting it on repeat!

Save this one, share it, and definitely make extra—you’ll want seconds (and maybe even thirds).

More Delicious Chicken Dinners to Try

If you loved the creamy comfort and zesty flavor of Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs Orzo, then your taste buds are in for a real treat. Here are a few more reader-favorite recipes from Chicken Magic that strike that same balance of ease and flavor. Whether you’re craving more creamy pasta, globally inspired flavors, or satisfying bowls, these dishes are perfect for your weekly meal rotation:

1. Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Asparagus – A bright and springy one-pan meal that’s just as comforting, with a little veggie twist.
2. Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta – A bold and tangy dish that complements the citrus notes in our lemon garlic meatballs beautifully.
3. Creamy Asiago Chicken – For those who love cheesy, creamy chicken recipes with a touch of elegance (and zero stress).
4. Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Take your taste buds on a global adventure with this easy Middle Eastern-inspired favorite that also features a garlicky kick.

Each of these recipes shares the same weeknight-friendly vibes and flavor-packed promise. Bookmark them now and bring even more chicken magic to your dinner table!

Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs Orzo

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs Orzo is a creamy, zesty, and comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Juicy, lemon-infused chicken meatballs are nestled in a rich garlic-Parmesan orzo that comes together quickly and easily. It’s flavorful, kid-friendly, and sure to become a repeat favorite!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken 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 Creamy Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 2 garlic cloves, 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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, lemon zest and juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.

2. Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 7–9 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then stir in orzo and toast for 2–3 minutes.

5. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until thickened.

7. Return meatballs to the skillet. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to warm through. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt (add off-heat to avoid curdling).
Meatballs freeze well—perfect for meal prep!
Add baby spinach or peas to the orzo for extra greens.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Main course
• Method: One-pan, skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg