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Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Orzo in a black cast iron skillet topped with fresh parsley and crumbled feta.

Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Orzo

Juicy, herb-infused chicken meatballs loaded with feta cheese, seared to golden perfection and nestled into a bed of garlic and lemon-infused orzo pasta made in one skillet.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Feta Meatballs:
  • - 1 lb 450g ground chicken (preferably dark meat or 93% lean mix)
  • - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese preferably Greek sheep milk feta
  • - ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs or whole-wheat panko
  • - 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • - ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
  • - 2 cloves garlic minced
  • - Zest of 1 large lemon
  • - 1 tsp dried oregano
  • - ½ tsp kosher salt
  • - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • - 1.5 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil for searing
For the Garlic Orzo:
  • - 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • - 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil or 1/2 tbsp butter + 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • - 2 cloves garlic minced
  • - 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • - Juice of 1 large lemon approx. 3 tbsp
  • - 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese for garnish
  • - 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish
  • - Lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

Mix & Shape:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with hands until combined. Shape into 12-14 uniform 1-inch meatballs.
Sear Meatballs:
  1. Heat 1.5 tbsp olive oil in a large 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and sear for 5–6 minutes, turning every 90 seconds until a deep golden-brown crust forms on all sides. Transfer meatballs onto a plate.
Toast Orzo:
  1. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 cup dry orzo pasta and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat grains in garlic and pan drippings.
Simmer Dish:
  1. Pour in 2 ½ cups chicken broth and 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all caramelized browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring liquid to a gentle boil. Nestling seared meatballs back into orzo bed.
Cook & Serve:
  1. Cover skillet with lid, turn heat to low, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until orzo is tender and meatballs reach internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove lid, garnish with extra crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

- Moisture Tip: Wet your hands with water or olive oil before rolling meatballs to keep ground poultry from sticking.
- Reheating Tip: Add 2-3 tbsp chicken broth when reheating leftover orzo to restore its smooth, creamy sauce texture.