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
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)
Instructions
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.
Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
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.
In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then stir in orzo and toast for 2–3 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until thickened.
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