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Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Orzo

These tender, zesty meatballs paired with garlic-infused orzo create a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the orzo
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cooking
  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes.
  2. Transfer the meatballs to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
  3. Cook orzo according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet used for the meatballs, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add cooked orzo, fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
  7. Serve the meatballs over the garlic orzo and garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop until heated through. If you want to freeze the meatballs and orzo, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.