When I’m craving fresh flavors and a meal that’s simple to pull together, Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo is always a favorite.

These tender, herbed meatballs pair perfectly with zesty lemon orzo, and the combination feels light and delish!

I remember the first time I made this for girls’ night—it was meant to be a casual meal, but everyone kept going back for seconds, drawn in by the bright lemon and fresh herbs.

Now, it’s one of those dishes I reach for when I want something a little different from the usual, with flavors that make you feel like you’re right by the Mediterranean. It’s easy enough for weeknights and a crowd-pleaser if you’re serving friends or family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to customize with toppings like crumbled feta, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of extra lemon.
The meatballs are packed with fresh herbs and spices, bringing bold flavor without being heavy.
Lemon orzo adds a bright, citrusy element that complements the meatballs beautifully.
Great for meal prep—the meatballs and orzo reheat well for easy lunches or dinners.

Fresh parsley, dill, and chopped scallions add layers of flavor, while chopped nuts keep the meatballs tender and give a little texture.

For the orzo, I add a squeeze of lemon juice and a bit of zest to bring out its citrusy side. I also like setting out toppings like crumbled feta, extra parsley, and lemon wedges so everyone can customize their plate.

This is my go-to dish for when I want something light and a little different.

Equipment

Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatball ingredients.
Large Skillet with Lid: For cooking the meatballs and orzo.
Small Pot (optional): If you prefer to cook the orzo separately.
Tongs or Spatula: For turning the meatballs.
Scoop or Spoon: For portioning the meatballs.
Zester or Grater: For zesting the lemon.
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping herbs, garlic, and onion.

Ingredients

These Greek-inspired chicken meatballs are made with simple, fresh ingredients that bring out great flavor and texture.

Fresh herbs, scallions, and a touch of chopped nuts keep the meatballs light, while lemon zest and juice make the orzo bright and refreshing. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish together:

For the Chicken Meatballs:

Ground chicken (or ground turkey)
Almond flour (or finely chopped nuts) or breadcrumbs (optional)
Fresh parsley and dill (or dried herbs)
Garlic, minced
Feta cheese, crumbled
Scallion, finely chopped, can be substituted with red onion, finely chopped
Dried oregano, ground cumin, and salt
Lemon zest

For the Lemon Orzo:

Orzo pasta (or couscous)
Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Fresh lemon juice
Crumbled Feta
Olive oil

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Ingredients

Optional: Use Almond Flour for Binding

Almond flour works well as a binder without changing the texture too much. If using chopped nuts, make sure they’re finely chopped for better consistency.

Almond flour or finely chopped nuts do provide some extra richness and can help prevent the meatballs from drying out.

side view of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo and fresh dill

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix ground chicken, almond flour (or finely chopped nuts), parsley, dill, garlic, feta, finely chopped scallions, oregano, cumin, salt, and lemon zest.
Shape Meatballs: Roll mixture into 1½-2-inch meatballs and place on a plate.
Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer. Sear for 3-4 minutes until browned, then flip. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes until done. Avoid overcooking. Transfer meatballs to a plate.
Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the meatballs for extra flavor. Add the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes, until tender. Drain any excess broth if needed.
Add Lemon, Olive Oil, and Feta: Stir the lemon juice, olive oil, and ¼ to ⅓ cup crumbled feta into the warm orzo, mixing well to create a creamy texture. Adjust seasoning if desired.
Serve: Place the creamy lemon orzo on plates, top with the meatballs, and garnish with fresh parsley. You can sprinkle additional feta on top, if desired.

Option B: Baking the Chicken Meatballs

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Meatballs:
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Bake the Meatballs:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through.
Broil for Browning:
For extra browning, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Remove and Set Aside:
Remove the meatballs from the oven and set aside while you prepare the lemon orzo.

Don’t Overwork the Meatball Mixture

Gently mix the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can make them dense.

These Greek-inspired chicken meatballs with lemon orzo are fresh, herby, and perfect for an easy Mediterranean-style meal.

Top Tips

Zest the Lemon Before Juicing: Zesting the lemon first makes it easier to get all the zest without dealing with the juice.
Adjust Lemon Flavor to Taste: If you prefer more lemon flavor, add extra lemon juice to the orzo right before serving.
Serve with Tzatziki: A side of tzatziki sauce pairs perfectly with the Greek flavors and adds a creamy, refreshing element.

What to Serve with Greek Chicken Meatballs and Lemon Orzo

These meatballs and lemon orzo make a complete meal, but adding a few sides can make it extra special. A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta pairs perfectly and adds fresh crunch. For a simple addition, try a side of roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers, lightly seasoned with olive oil and oregano.

If you’re serving a crowd, a small bowl of tzatziki or a drizzle of extra lemon sauce can be great for dipping.

Warm pita bread on the side is also a nice touch for anyone wanting to scoop up every last bit of orzo and herbs.

overhead view of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo on a plate

Other Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you like these Greek chicken meatballs, you might also enjoy:

Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo – A delicious pairing of tender salmon and bright lemon orzo, perfect for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Chicken Souvlaki Bowls – These bowls are filled with seasoned chicken, rice, and a variety of fresh toppings, making them customizable and full of flavor.
Garlic Roasted Veggies – Simple, oven-roasted vegetables with a hint of garlic, perfect as a side to Mediterranean dishes.

If you try these Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo, I’d love to hear what you think!

Leave a comment or recipe rating—I enjoy reading every one, and I try to respond to everyone. And if you take a photo, tag me on Instagram! It’s always fun to see how your dishes turn out.