Description
A cozy, comforting dish featuring juicy lemon chicken meatballs paired with creamy garlic orzo. Bright citrus meets rich, savory sauce in this elegant and easy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Garlic Orzo:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Form into tablespoon-sized meatballs and chill for 15–20 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and simmer 8–10 minutes until orzo is al dente.
- Lower heat and stir in cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return meatballs to skillet, heat through, and garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes