Chicken Meatballs with Spinach Feta and Lemon Orzo
I love this dish when I want something hearty but also light! The chicken meatballs are full of garlic, fresh herbs, tomato paste and spices. I sear them in a cast iron skillet giving them a nice golden crust. But you can always bake them off as well. Placing them on top the orzo that has tons of spinach, sweet cherry tomatoes and that salty feta, brightening it up with lots of lemon. It’s a great weeknight dinner.
If you do make the Chicken Meatballs with Spinach Feta and Lemon Orzo be sure to leave a comment and let me know on instagram I love to see all the pictures and comments!!
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 3-4 garlic cloves, peeled minced
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 tsp. fresh thyme
- 2 tsp. fresh oregano, minced
- 1 tbsp. fresh parsley
- salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
Spinach Feta Lemon Orzo
- 1 lb. package orzo
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 block feta crumbled
- 1/2 lemon zest
- 1/2 lemon juice
- pinch of red pepper flake (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp. olive oil
- salt and black pepper
Directions
Starting with the meatballs, in a large bowl combine everything together adding the chicken last. Then using your hands gently work everything together until it’s completely combined. Using a small 1-2 tbsp scoop spoon the meatballs onto a sheet pan and use your hands to round them off.
Heat up a skillet over medium heat with 1 tbsp. oil. Once it’s hot carefully add in the meatballs. Searing them 2 minutes on each side. Once all sides are browned finish them cooking in the oven 350 for about 6-7 minutes or until cooked through.
In a medium sauce pan bring salted water to boil. Cook the orzo for about 10-11 minutes. Drain water and add in the spinach, toss it together until the spinach wilts down. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice and olive oil season with salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes and toss it together. Then add in the cherry tomatoes and sprinkle the feta on top. Give it another toss and pour into a serving bowl. Place the meatballs over the top and enjoy!