Chicken Meatballs Creamy Lemon Orzo (Print Version)
Juicy chicken meatballs served over creamy, lemon-infused orzo with Parmesan and parsley.
# Ingredients:
→ Meatballs
01 -
1 pound ground chicken or turkey
02 -
1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
03 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
04 -
1/4 cup whole milk
05 -
1 large egg
06 -
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
07 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
08 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 -
2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
→ Lemon Orzo
12 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
13 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
14 -
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
15 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
16 -
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
17 -
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
18 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
19 -
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
20 -
Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
21 -
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
# Steps:
01 -
In a large mixing bowl, gently mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, chopped parsley, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until just combined.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Form the meat mixture into evenly sized balls using a scoop or your hands. Arrange meatballs in the skillet and brown on all sides until golden, then remove and set aside.
03 -
Add butter and olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté chopped onion over medium heat until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
04 -
Add orzo to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to toast. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a low simmer, scraping the bottom to release flavorful bits.
05 -
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until the mixture becomes creamy. Return cooked meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
06 -
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness.
07 -
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
# Notes:
01 -
For best results, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to maintain a tender texture.