Description
A comforting dish of light chicken meatballs and lemon-infused orzo, perfect for a family meal that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red-pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, oregano, mint, garlic, and red onion. Season with salt and pepper, and mix gently until combined.
- Shape mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls, place on a plate, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Reduce heat to medium, pour in white wine, and scrape the brown bits from the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer and season with red-pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add orzo to the simmering mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them among the orzo. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat, let rest for 3 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to substitute herbs based on what you have. This dish is forgiving and perfect for sharing with family.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg