Description
Juicy feta-stuffed chicken meatballs in a lemony orzo with garlic, herbs, and spinach—your new favorite Mediterranean dinner in one skillet.
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
¼ cup finely grated onion (with juices)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup breadcrumbs or panko
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Zest of ½ lemon (≈ 1 tsp)
¾ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil, for searing
Lemon Orzo
1 Tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (185 g) dry orzo pasta
2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
Zest of ½ lemon (≈ 1 tsp) + 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
2 Tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Form Meatballs – In a bowl combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, feta, breadcrumbs, egg, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. With damp hands roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs (≈ 18).
Sear – Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high. Brown meatballs ≈ 6 min total, turning to color all sides. Transfer to a plate (they’ll finish cooking later).
Start Orzo – In the same skillet add 1 Tbsp oil/butter. Sauté garlic 30 sec. Stir in dry orzo; toast 1 min.
Simmer – Pour in broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer; return meatballs, cover, and cook 8–9 min, stirring once, until orzo is almost tender.
Finish – Fold in spinach (if using) to wilt 1 min. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley and serve straight from the skillet.
Notes
Cheese swap: Crumbled goat cheese adds extra tang.
Veggie boost: Add halved cherry tomatoes or roasted red-pepper strips with the spinach.
Spice it up: A pinch of red-pepper flakes perks up the orzo.
Low-carb option: Skip orzo and simmer meatballs in lemony broth; serve over cauliflower rice.
Bake instead: Meatballs can be baked at 400 °F / 200 °C for 15 min before adding to orzo.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner / Main Course
- Method: Pan-Sear & Skillet Simmer
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired / Mediterranean
