Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Orzo
Tender meatballs made with ground chicken and ricotta, flavored with lemon and served with garlic orzo for a hearty meal that's easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Garlic Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning meatballs
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, and egg; mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat; brown meatballs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add the onion; cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo and chicken broth; bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the orzo is cooked through and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture. Adding Italian herbs can enhance flavor. Substitute ground chicken with turkey or beef if desired.