If there’s one dish that takes me straight back to summer afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, it’s these Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo. The scent of oregano and lemon zest wafting through the air is something I’ll never forget. Cooking alongside her, I’d help roll the meatballs—too big, too small, too squishy—and she’d gently show me how to get it just right. Over the years, I’ve made this dish my own, with a few modern tweaks that make it perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual dinner party with friends. This recipe hits all the right notes: savory, zesty, comforting, and fresh.
Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo are full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors. They’re light, yet satisfying—perfect for anyone who craves comfort food that won’t weigh you down. The combination of feta, lemon, garlic, and herbs brings bold character to every bite. And the orzo? It’s creamy, citrusy, and so simple to make.
Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean Chicken Gyros or just looking to add more fresh herb-packed dishes to your rotation, this recipe brings sunshine to the plate. Let’s dig in and see how this easy, wholesome meal comes together.
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo: A Fresh Mediterranean Favorite
Table of Contents
A Mediterranean Spin on Chicken Dinner
Bright, Fresh Flavors You’ll Want on Repeat
Greek chicken meatballs are more than just a twist on your classic meatball. Instead of being heavy and smothered in sauce, these are pan-seared and loaded with Mediterranean staples like feta, parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. The result is a tender meatball with a golden crust and a pop of flavor in every bite.
What makes this recipe extra special is the use of fresh ingredients that aren’t just tasty—they’re nourishing too. Fresh parsley adds a clean, peppery kick, while lemon zest brings that unmistakable brightness that makes everything taste lighter. Combined with crumbled feta, it’s a wonderful balance of creamy and tangy.
If you’ve ever tried something like the Baked Zucchini Spinach and Feta Casserole, you’ll recognize that same flavor harmony here—bold yet beautifully simple.
Ground Chicken: The Unsung Hero of Weeknight Meals
Ground chicken is often overlooked, but it’s one of my favorite ingredients for quick, high-protein dinners. It’s lean, cooks fast, and takes on flavors like lemon, oregano, and garlic beautifully. For this recipe, you’ll want to look for ground chicken with a bit of fat (around 93% lean) to keep the meatballs juicy.
The secret to tender meatballs? Don’t overwork the mix. Gently combine the chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, herbs, and feta just until it comes together. When it comes time to shape them, use damp hands for easy rolling. A quick sear in olive oil gives them a golden crust that’s irresistible.
And if you’re already a fan of herb-infused dishes like the Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole, these meatballs will slide right into your regular recipe rotation.
A Perfect Pairing – Creamy Lemon Orzo
Why Lemon Orzo Works Every Time
Lemon orzo is one of those simple side dishes that feels like a little secret weapon in the kitchen. It’s pasta, but it cooks quickly like rice and carries flavor beautifully. The tiny rice-shaped orzo noodles soak up broth and lemon juice, giving them a velvety texture that hugs every bite of your Greek chicken meatballs.
To make it extra special, this recipe uses chicken broth instead of water, which adds savory depth to the base. Then comes the butter and fresh lemon juice—simple ingredients that transform into something creamy, tangy, and downright comforting.
You might think of this dish as a lighter take on risotto—easier and faster, but just as satisfying. And if you love meals like Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo that bring comfort and freshness together, you’re going to love lemon orzo.
Fresh Herbs Make All the Difference
Don’t skip the fresh dill—it’s optional, but it adds a layer of brightness that pairs so well with the zesty orzo and savory meatballs. Dill brings a gentle, grassy flavor that lightens up the dish without overpowering it.
You can also toss in fresh parsley if you have extra from the meatballs. Herbs are more than just garnish here—they round out the dish and tie everything together.
The same way Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet builds flavor with herbs and citrus, this orzo takes on the boldness of lemon while staying balanced and mellow.
The beauty of this meal is in its simplicity. No complicated sauces or techniques—just real ingredients coming together in a way that makes you want to sit down and savor it.
Customizing Your Greek Chicken Meatballs and Orzo
Easy Variations to Make It Your Own
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Want to go low-carb? Swap the orzo for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Prefer turkey over chicken? That works beautifully too. You can even roll the meatballs smaller and serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with tzatziki on the side.
If you’re in the mood for something richer, try folding a handful of baby spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the orzo. They add texture, flavor, and a bit more color to the plate. Just like how the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs put a fun twist on a familiar classic, this dish is all about making it your own.
And yes, these meatballs freeze well. Just cook and cool them, then stash them in a freezer-safe bag. You’ll thank yourself later when dinner is already half done.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
These Greek chicken meatballs are a meal prep dream. You can roll and refrigerate the meatballs a day in advance, or even cook them fully and reheat when needed. They hold up well in the fridge and taste just as good the next day.
Lemon orzo can be made ahead too, though you might want to stir in an extra splash of broth or lemon juice before serving to bring it back to life. It’s one of those dishes that gets better as the flavors meld—similar to how Garlic Butter Baked Salmon develops deeper flavor the next day.
For busy weeknights or even packed lunches, just layer a few meatballs over a bed of orzo in meal prep containers. Add a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of feta, and you’ve got something that feels special even when you’re on the go.
This meal is a balance of flavor, ease, and versatility—and honestly, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together even when you don’t.
Serving & Savoring Every Bite
How to Plate It Like a Pro
You don’t need a fancy setup to make this dish feel like something special. I love serving the orzo in a shallow bowl, then stacking a few golden meatballs right on top. Finish with a generous crumble of feta, a sprinkle of chopped herbs, and a wedge of lemon on the side for a fresh squeeze before digging in.
If you’re hosting, serve it family-style with a side salad and maybe some warm pita. It’s a Mediterranean meal that brings everyone to the table with big flavor and minimal fuss. Recipes like the Peruvian Grilled Chicken or Mediterranean Chicken Gyros prove just how inviting and crowd-pleasing bold, herby meals can be.
What to Serve With It
This dish is filling on its own, but if you want a little something extra, go for a cucumber salad or roasted veggies. A crisp white wine or chilled sparkling water with lemon rounds things out beautifully.
Looking to stretch leftovers into something new? Chop the meatballs and stuff them into a pita with a dollop of yogurt or hummus. It’s a lunch that rivals your favorite café.
I often repurpose the orzo too, stirring in chopped veggies or using it cold as a pasta salad base, much like the fresh take in this Simple Zucchini Dill Casserole. Leftovers become a whole new meal.
Print
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo: A Fresh Mediterranean Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo are full of vibrant herbs, feta, garlic, and lemon. Quick, savory, and fresh!
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
1 large egg
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: parsley, crumbled feta, lemon wedges
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, feta, parsley, oregano, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently mix and roll into meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium. Sear meatballs 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, cook orzo in broth until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
5. Stir in butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, and dill. Season to taste.
6. Serve meatballs over warm lemon orzo with optional toppings.
Notes
You can prep meatballs ahead and freeze.
Swap chicken for turkey if desired.
To make gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs and pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
FAQs About Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying them?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet. They’ll be slightly less golden but still flavorful.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Does this recipe freeze well?
Yes. Freeze cooked meatballs and cooked orzo separately in airtight containers. Thaw and reheat gently with a splash of broth or lemon juice.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely. Ground turkey is a great substitute and works perfectly with the Mediterranean flavors.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes flavorful, easy, and comforting with a fresh twist. Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping lunches, or just craving something bright and savory, this dish delivers.
At RecipesLia, my goal is always to make meals that feel like a hug from the kitchen. Just like this one—simple, satisfying, and made to be shared. If you enjoyed this, you might also love the cozy twist of Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs or the light and herby Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo.
So grab your herbs, your lemon, and your love for real food. Let’s keep making meals that bring people together one meatball at a time.
