Name: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Spinach Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; ¼ cup fresh spinach, tightly packed and finely chopped; 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped; 1 large egg, beaten; ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste; 1 cup orzo pasta; ½ medium onion, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing); 2 teaspoons Knorr’s chicken seasoning; 2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil (to stir into cooked orzo); 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more to taste; 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped, or more to taste; 1-2 tablespoons fresh spinach, finely chopped (mix in or use lightly like parsley); Lemon zest from ½ lemon; Pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges, feta cheese, and tzatziki for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 75 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine and warmth, look no further than this Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Spinach Orzo Recipe. It pairs soft, juicy chicken meatballs flecked with fresh herbs and creamy feta cheese alongside a vibrant, zesty orzo that’s brightened up by lemon and spinach. This dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and fresh, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special gathering meal that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. At the center top is a square white plate holding a layer of raw ground meat with a pinkish-red color and visible ridges. Surrounding it are bowls and measuring cups with different ingredients: a small white bowl of pale yellow butter on the left, a white bowl of white cubes near the top right, a metal measuring cup filled with small light yellow pasta on the right, and near the bottom right, a metal container of golden brown broth with a shiny surface. Other items include a single white egg, chopped green herbs in small white bowls and metal measuring cups, diced white onions, a metal teaspoon of yellow spice, a lemon with a bright yellow peel, a half garlic clove, and a small white dish holding salt and black pepper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its use of simple, wholesome ingredients that together create a dish packed with flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a crucial role: the ground chicken brings lean protein, fresh herbs add brightness, feta contributes a salty tang, and the lemon spinach orzo ties everything together with a refreshing citrus note and vibrant greens.

1 lb ground chicken: Choose fresh, lean ground chicken for tender, juicy meatballs.
¼ cup fresh spinach (finely chopped): Adds a subtle earthiness and gorgeous green flecks within the meatballs.
2 ounces feta cheese (crumbled): Provides a creamy, salty punch that complements the chicken beautifully.
2 cloves garlic (minced): For an aromatic base that lifts the entire dish.
2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped): A classic Greek herb lending a bright, slightly tangy note.
1 large egg (beaten): Binds the meatball ingredients together perfectly.
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs: Helps keep the meatballs light and tender.
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing): Creates a lovely golden crust on the meatballs.
½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
1 cup orzo pasta: The perfect tiny pasta that soaks up the lemony broth.
½ medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing): Infuses the orzo with rich flavor.
2 teaspoons Knorr’s chicken seasoning: Adds an extra punch of savory goodness to the broth.
2 cups low sodium chicken broth: Moistens the orzo and keeps it tender without overpowering.
1 tablespoon olive oil (to stir into cooked orzo): Adds silkiness and sheen.
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste): Brings a lively brightness that defines the orzo.
1 teaspoon fresh dill (finely chopped): Adds fresh herbaceous notes to the orzo’s mix.
1-2 tablespoons fresh spinach (finely chopped): Lightly folded in for extra color and mild flavor.
Lemon zest from ½ lemon: Packs a fragrant citrus punch to enhance every bite.
Pepper to taste: For subtle heat that rounds out the flavors.
Lemon wedges, feta cheese, and tzatziki (for serving): Perfect finishing touches to elevate your meal.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Spinach Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, crumbled feta, minced garlic, fresh dill, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs with your hands. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs evenly on all sides, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes. This step locks in juices and gives a delicious crust.

Step 3: Finish Cooking the Meatballs in the Oven

Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish and place them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for another 10 to 12 minutes, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked through and perfectly juicy.

Step 4: Cook the Lemon Spinach Orzo

While the meatballs finish in the oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until caramelized and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the orzo and toast it briefly for 1 to 2 minutes to bring out a nutty flavor.

Step 5: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in Knorr’s chicken seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is soft and has absorbed most of the liquid. If needed, drain any additional liquid before finishing.

Step 6: Finish the Orzo with Herbs and Lemon

Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, finely chopped spinach, lemon zest, and pepper to taste. This final step transforms the orzo into a vibrant, refreshing bed for your meatballs.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Plate the lemon spinach orzo, then top with the hot Greek chicken meatballs. Sprinkle extra feta cheese on top and add a generous dollop of tzatziki or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges for an extra zing of flavor.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Spinach Orzo Recipe

Several small, round meat patties with a golden brown crust are cooking in a black pan. The patties have a light beige color with green herb pieces mixed in, giving them a fresh look. The pan surface shows little bubbles of oil around the patties, enhancing the crispy texture on top. The patties are scattered evenly across the pan, with some browned more than others, showing a nice variation in color from light tan to deep golden. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges immediately brightens the presentation and flavor profile. Crumbled feta on top adds an indulgent salty contrast, and a cooling dollop of tzatziki brings a tangy creaminess that complements the spicy herbs and lemon zest perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully self-contained but pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad or roasted vegetables for additional texture and freshness. A basket of warm, crusty bread would also make a delightful accompaniment to scoop up any extra tzatziki or orzo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the meatballs on skewers over the lemon spinach orzo for an elegant presentation. Alternatively, create individual portions in small bowls topped with edible flowers or finely chopped fresh herbs to make your meal feel festive and special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Greek chicken meatballs and lemon spinach orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate is best to preserve texture but reheat gently to enjoy the flavors fully.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked meatballs by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. The orzo freezes less well due to its delicate texture but can be frozen if tightly sealed and reheated carefully.

Reheating

Reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes to retain juiciness and texture. Warm the orzo gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and brings a similarly mild flavor that complements the herbs and feta cheese beautifully.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs? What can I use?

If panko isn’t available, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers can substitute. Just make sure to use enough to bind the meatball mixture while keeping them light and tender.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Spinach Orzo Recipe?

You can swap the chicken for chickpeas or a plant-based meat substitute and keep all the other flavors and herbs for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still satisfies.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta such as rice pasta or quinoa for a safe and tasty gluten-free meal.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Make the meatballs and orzo separately, store in airtight containers, and reheat as needed for easy, delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Spinach Orzo Recipe is a beautiful way to bring fresh Mediterranean flavors to your table with minimal fuss. Juicy meatballs, bright herbs, creamy feta, and zesty lemony orzo come together for a meal that feels special but is incredibly easy to prepare. Give it a try soon — your taste buds will thank you!