Lemon Garlic Orzo Chicken (Print-Friendly Version)
Tender lemon-garlic chicken meatballs served over cheesy parmesan orzo. Fast to make, kind of fancy, and super cozy.
# Ingredients List:
→ Chicken Meatballs
01 -
1 lb ground chicken
02 -
1/2 cup panko or any kind of breadcrumbs
03 -
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
04 -
1 large egg
05 -
2 garlic cloves, chopped up small
06 -
Zest from one whole lemon
07 -
1 tbsp lemon juice
08 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a kick
09 -
Salt and pepper as you like
10 -
2 tbsp parsley, chopped up (only if you're feeling it)
11 -
1 tbsp olive oil to cook with
→ Creamy Orzo
12 -
1 cup orzo pasta
13 -
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
14 -
2 garlic cloves, diced
15 -
1 cup chicken broth
16 -
1/2 cup thick cream
17 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
18 -
Salt and pepper, a sprinkle here and there
19 -
Fresh parsley leaves for tossing on top (up to you)
20 -
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
# Detailed Cooking Steps:
01 -
In a big bowl, throw in your chicken, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, garlic, both lemon things, the flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until it's just mixed up—don't overdo it.
02 -
Use your hands to roll pieces of the mixture into one-inch balls. Nothing fancy, just get it done.
03 -
Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium. Add your meatballs, letting them brown on all sides for 7-9 minutes till cooked through. Move them onto a plate once they're good.
04 -
If needed, add a splash more oil. Toss in garlic, cook for about a minute, then add your orzo. Stir for 2 or 3 minutes to get it a little gold around the edges.
05 -
Pour in your chicken broth and keep it at a low bubble. Stir sometimes. After 8-10 minutes most of the liquid will be gone and your orzo will be tender.
06 -
Stir in cream and cheese. Hit it with another shake of salt and pepper. Let it thicken up, about 2 minutes is all it needs.
07 -
Pop the meatballs back in with your creamy orzo, give it a gentle toss and keep it on the stove for 3-4 more minutes. Add parsley or lemon over the top if you want. Grab a bowl and dig in.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Throw in kale or spinach right at the end for extra greens
02 -
Want it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of cream
03 -
Keep a little broth handy in case your orzo drinks it all up