Name: Chicken Meatballs with Orzo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground chicken; 1 cup Orzo pasta; 0.5 cup Chopped onion; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 cup Chicken broth; 0.25 cup Lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Olive oil; 1 teaspoon Dried oregano; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Oh, you guys, I have to share this with you. What is my go-to comfort food? What is better than spaghetti and meatballs? Think creamy, dreamy orzo pasta hugging savory, juicy, and tangy.Chicken meatballs., all in a light, lemony sauce. It’s like warm hug in bowl! If you love a good one-pot wonder that’s packed with flavor and makes everyone happy, this is it.Chicken Meatballs with Orzo?What is your new best friend?

What is chicken meatballs with orzo?

What if Italian wedding soup had a baby with your favorite creamy pasta dish? What are we going to do here?Chicken Meatballs with Orzo?Essentially tender, seasoned chicken meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth with orzo pasta. Orzo is a tiny, rice-shaped pasta that cooks up beautifully in one sitting. It soaks up all the delicious flavors, creating a creamy, almost risotto-like texture, without all of the flavors. The constant stirring. Is this comfort food elevated? What’s a complete meal in one pot?

Why do you like this recipe?

What are some of the reasons why this recipe is so amazing?Chicken meatballs.Are seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a touch of parmesan, giving them this savory, umami-rich flavor. Is that irresistible? Then you’ve got the orzo, which cooks in a flavorful chicken broth infused with lemon, creating this recipe. What a creamy sauce that coats everything perfectly. Is there a flavor explosion in every bite?Chicken Meatballs with Orzo: WhatIs it easy to make a one-pot meal? What are some good ways to cook dinner? On busy weeknights, that’s a lifesaver. What are some of the best ingredients for a weeknight meal? Why is ground chicken cheaper than ground beef? How do I feed my family a delicious meal without breaking the bank? What are some of the best recipes for this recipe? You can easily customize it to your liking. Add some spinach or kale for extra veggies, swap the lemon for lime, or throw in a pinch of red pepper. What are some good pepper flakes for a little heat? What are the endless possibilities? Is it really a winner all around, plus it’s even better the next day as leftovers (if there are any)? What is a chicken and rice soup?

How do you make chicken meatballs with Orzo?

Quick Overview

Making this Chicken Meatballs with Orzo?What is a simple recipe? How do you mix chicken meatballs with breadcrumbs, herbs, and parmesan? What are some ways to brown onions in a pot and set them aside? Next, you’ll add the orzo to the same pot, along with chicken broth, lemon juice, and some chopped parsley. Bring it to a simmer, add the meatballs back in, and let it all cook until the orzo is tender and crispy. What is a one-pot wonder that can be made in less than an hour?

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:
• 1 pound ground chicken (I prefer using lean ground for this)
• 12 cup breadcrumbs (Panko Breadcrumbs work great for a light, airy texture)
• 14 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grate is always best) .
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (this helps bind everything together)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is key for that garlicky flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (you can also use dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meatballs)

For the Orzo:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the onions)
• 1 small onion, chopped (yellow or white onion works fine)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (yes, more garlic!)
• 1 cup pasta (look for good quality orzo, it makes a difference)
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is best, so you can control the salt).
• 12 cup heavy cream (this adds richness and creaminess, but you can substitute with half-and-half or milk). Even milk for a lighter version)
• ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is a must!)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

How can I get organized? What is the best Dutch Oven to use for a recipe? Make sure your pot is clean and ready to go! Set it on the stove. Is it necessary to preheat the oven for this recipe?

Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and pepper. Set aside. Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. How do you make meatballs?

Step 3: Form Meatballs

With your hands (lightly dampened to prevent sticking), form the chicken mixture into small pieces. Meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs. Lay them out on a plate or cutting board.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pot in a single layer. Brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total. Is it necessary to cook them all the way through at this point?

Step 5: Set Meatballs Aside

Remove the browned meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate. If there are some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, don’t worry – those are packed with fat. What are some of the best orzo flavors?

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics

Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine. About 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 7: Add Orzo and Broth

Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir to coat it with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8: Simmer and Cook

Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the browned meatballs back into the pot, and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another minute or two to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This Chicken Meatballs with Orzo is best served hot, but it’s also delicious at room temperature. And don’t forget to offer a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top!

What to Serve It With

This Chicken Meatballs with Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few ideas. For a simple side dish, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would be perfect. The acidity of the vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the orzo. If you want something a little more substantial, some roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, would also be a great addition. Or, for a comforting side, try serving it with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. My family usually likes some garlic bread on the side for a real treat!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

Okay, so here are a few of my top tips for making this Chicken Meatballs with Orzo recipe absolutely perfect. First, don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough and dense. Just mix everything together until it’s combined. Also, be sure to brown the meatballs well on all sides. This adds a ton of flavor to the dish. And don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. Or, if you want a brighter flavor, add some lemon zest. One trick I learned is that you can substitute the heavy cream with cashew cream for a vegan alternative. I love to change the herbs and spices according to what I have on hand. It’s also key to use good quality chicken broth, it makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of the dish! Make sure to salt your pasta water too; this is a classic pasta-making tip that adds flavor throughout the meal.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes, or heat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up, as the orzo will continue to absorb the liquid as it sits. It also freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Spinach, kale, peas, carrots, and zucchini all work well. Add them to the pot along with the orzo.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese from the meatballs or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, I recommend cooking the orzo just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of lemon juice?

Lime juice works as a great substitute! It will give the dish a similar brightness and acidity.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! My family’s favorite Chicken Meatballs with Orzo recipe. It’s a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to please. It’s a delightful spin on classic meatballs. If you love this, you might also enjoy my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Potatoes – it has a similar bright and fresh flavor profile. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I know you’ll love it as much as we do! And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!