Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo: 40-Min Delight

Name: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken (white meat is leaner; dark meat is juicier and more flavorful); ⅓ cup almond flour or ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tsp fresh dill, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled; ½ tbsp onion powder or finely chopped scallion/red onion; 2 tsp dried oregano or fresh oregano; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp freshly cracked pepper; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Salt to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for meals that actually work for weeknights—fast, wholesome, and something the whole crew will eat without a fuss. Enter: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo. It’s the kind of dish that checks all the boxes—simple, satisfying, and bursting with zesty Mediterranean flavor.

Whether you’re juggling after-school chaos or just need a little dinner inspiration that doesn’t involve five trips to the grocery store, this one’s for you. Think juicy, herb-packed meatballs nestled over lemony orzo, finished with crumbled feta and a sprinkle of parsley. It feels fancy, but trust me—it’s very doable.

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

Fast and fresh: From prep to plate in under 45 minutes.
Bright Mediterranean flavors: Think lemon, dill, garlic, and feta.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters dig these juicy chicken meatballs.
Meal prep magic: These reheat beautifully, making tomorrow’s lunch just as exciting.

This is comfort food with a passport—sunny, satisfying, and full of feel-good ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious dinner happen:

For the Chicken Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken (white meat = lean; dark = more flavor)
⅓ cup almond flour (or sub with ¼ cup chopped walnuts/pecans)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tsp fresh dill, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ tbsp onion powder (or sub with scallion or red onion, finely chopped)
2 tsp dried oregano (or fresh if you’ve got it)
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Lemon Orzo:

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
⅓ cup feta, crumbled
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt to taste

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. You can use a rubber spatula, but honestly, clean hands do the best job. Roll into 1½ to 2-inch balls. Sprinkle a little salt over them for extra flavor before searing.

Mom tip: This is a fun task for little helpers—just make sure they wash their hands well!

2. Sear the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 3–4 minutes, turning to get them golden brown on all sides. Then cover and cook for another 5–6 minutes, until they’re cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Don’t overcook! Chicken meatballs can dry out quickly—keep an eye on them.

3. Cook the Orzo

In the same skillet (because we love fewer dishes), pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

4. Add Flavor Boosters

Once the orzo is done, stir in the lemon juice and a bit of olive oil. Season with salt to taste, and toss in some crumbled feta.

5. Assemble and Garnish

Serve a bed of orzo, top with those gorgeous meatballs, and finish with more feta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Add lemon wedges on the side if you’re feeling fancy.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo garnished with dill and lemon slices in a shallow serving bowl

Helpful Tips for a No-Stress Dinner

Zest before you juice! Always zest the lemon before cutting it. You’ll thank yourself later.
Balance the tang: If you’re sensitive to citrus, start with half the lemon juice and add more to taste.
Double the meatballs: They freeze well and are perfect for last-minute dinners or protein-packed lunches.
Add tzatziki: This dish loves a dollop of creamy tzatziki on the side for a cool, refreshing contrast.

A Little Backstory…

The first time I made these Greek chicken meatballs, it was a Tuesday—the kind where nothing was going according to plan. I had chicken in the fridge, some herbs on their last leg, and a craving for something bright and comforting. Thirty minutes later, the kitchen smelled amazing, and my family devoured every bite.

This recipe has been a weeknight regular ever since.

FAQs About Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well—just look for a blend with a bit of fat so the meatballs stay juicy.

Can I cook the orzo separately?

Yep! If you prefer, boil it in a small pot and just stir in the lemon, oil, and feta at the end.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo from drying out.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written (orzo is pasta), but you can swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice to make it work for you!

A Mediterranean Meal That Feels Like a Hug

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is the kind of meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent—light, zesty, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a little food joy on a busy night, this recipe delivers.

So go ahead, zest that lemon and make a batch tonight. Your taste buds—and your time-starved self—will thank you.

More Delicious Dishes to Try Next

If this Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo recipe brought a little sunshine to your table, here are a few more feel-good meals you’ll love just as much:

For a light and herby side or vegetarian main, this Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs is a must-try. It’s zesty, fresh, and pairs beautifully with just about anything.
Craving another Mediterranean-inspired meal? These Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are packed with flavor, easy to prep, and perfect for busy nights or lunches on the go.
Keep the vibrant flavors going with this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry—a quick, colorful skillet dinner that’s loaded with veggies and perfectly seasoned chicken.
If you can’t get enough lemony orzo (same here!), this Lemon Feta Chicken and Orzo offers a creamy twist that’s comforting yet light.
And for another take on this recipe from a fellow food creator, check out Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo from Brae’s Bites. It’s a delicious variation you’ll definitely want to bookmark.

Whichever you try next, here’s to more easy, flavorful meals that bring joy to your kitchen!