What is it like to cook a meal in one pan? What is a one pan chicken meatball with orzo? The juicy, golden-brown chicken meatballs are nestled in a creamy, lemony orzo that soaks up every bit of flavor from the broth. What is comfort food made of?
Why this One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo?
- What is an easy weeknight wonder?Everything cooks in a single pan, so there’s less mess and cleanup.
- Flavor Explosion: Juicy chicken meatballs seasoned with garlic and herbs make every bite satisfying.
- Orzo Heaven: The orzo simmers in broth, absorbing all the savory goodness from the meatballs.
- Bright and FreshA pop of lemon juice and fresh parsley balances the richness perfectly.
- What are some good left overs?: This dish reheats like a dream—just add a splash of broth and it’s good as new!
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 500g / 1.1 lb ground chicken
- 55g / 0.12 lb (12 cup) breadcrumbs
- 25g / 0.05 lb (14 cup) grated Parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 280g / 0.62 lb (1 12 cups) orzo
- 710 ml (3 cups) chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 10g / 0.02 lb (14 cup)Fresh parsley, chopped.
- ½ tspRed pepper flakes (optional) (optional) (optional
Directions
- How do you prepare meatballs?In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Sear the Meatballs:In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. Transfer them to a plate—they’ll finish cooking later.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. - Toast the Orzo:
Add the orzo to the pan, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly toasted. - What is Simmer Everything Together?How do you pour in the broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the Meatballs:If you are cooking meatballs in an orzo, cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and the orzo is tender.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs:What is the best seasoning for parsley?
Notes
- Substitute Proteins:Is ground turkey or beef as good as chicken?
- Alternative Grains:If you like orzo, substitute couscous, small pasta, or rice if preferred.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth for the best texture.
- Add Some Veggies: Stir in spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make this dish ahead of time?Is it safe to use broth in the fridge?What if I don’t have orzo?Can you swap it with couscous, rice, or small pasta shapes like ditalini?Can I freeze meatballs?Yes, freeze the meatballs after searing but before simmering with the orzo. Thaw and cook them with the orzo when ready to serve.How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?How do I make a dough without overmixing?Is this dish kid friendly?If your family prefers less spice, skip the red pepper flakes.
Tips and Notes
- My Tip:If you’re making this for meal prep, cook the orzo slightly al dente so it doesn’t get too soft when reheated.
- Serving Suggestion:What are some good side dishes to serve with roasted vegetables?
- Broth Bonus: Keep extra broth on hand—adding a splash before serving keeps it creamy and prevents the orzo from soaking up too much liquid.
Variations
What are some good ways to keep this dish exciting?
- Mediterranean Twist: What is Add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta for a Greek-inspired version.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage instead of chicken and stir in some chili oil.
- Vegetarian Version:Why don’t you toss in roasted chickpeas or mushrooms?
- Creamy Dream: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or mascarpone for an ultra-creamy finish.
- Herb lovers: Experiment with thyme, basil, or dill to change up the herb profile.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make one pan chicken meatballs with Orzo ahead of time?Can you make this dish ahead of time? For best results, let the dish cool completely before refrigerating. Add a splash of chicken broth to the pan or microwave to restore moisture and prevent the orzo from drying out. Can you freeze meatballs after searing but before simmering with orzo? thaw and cook them with orzo when ready to serve.What are some good substitutes for orzo?If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, couscous, or even rice. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the alternative grain you choose. Couscous and rice will cook faster, so start checking for doneness around 10 minutes, while other small pasta shapes may take a similar time to orzo, around 15 minutes. Always check for tenderness and add more broth if needed.How do you know if your chicken meatballs are perfectly cooked?When the chicken meatballs are no longer pink inside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), you can use a meat thermometer to check. The orzo is cooked when it’s tender but still has a slight bite, similar to al dente pasta. The orzo should have absorbed most of the broth, and the dish should appear creamy. The meatballs should be firm to the touch.Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?Can you scale this recipe up? For doubling, use a larger skillet to accommodate the increased volume of meatballs and orzo. The cooking time for the orzo might increase slightly, so monitor it closely and add more broth if needed. For tripling, consider using two skillets to manage the ingredients and ensure even cooking.What are the nutritional benefits of one pan chicken meatballs with orzo?What are the nutritional benefits of ground chicken? Orzo is a good source of carbohydrates for energy, and the added vegetables, like onions and garlic, contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The fresh herbs, like parsley, add flavor and additional vitamins. The dish is also relatively low in fat if you use ground chicken.
One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo
This comforting one-pan meal features tender chicken meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth with orzo pasta, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. The meatballs are juicy and well-seasoned, while the orzo soaks up all the delicious flavors from the pan, creating a creamy, hearty dish. It's an easy, quick meal with minimal cleanup that tastes like it took hours to prepare!
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb 0.45 kg ground chicken
- ¼ cup 0.06 lb breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup 0.05 lb grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon 0.03 lb olive oil (for searing)
- 1 cup 0.45 lb orzo pasta
- 1 small onion 0.25 lb, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons 0.06 lb olive oil
- 2 ½ cups 1.5 lb chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 0.25 lb spinach leaves
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter (you should get around 18–20 meatballs).
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat it in the oil.
- Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Return the seared meatballs to the pan, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute ground chicken with turkey or beef if desired.
- Broth Alternatives: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist (replace chicken with plant-based meatballs).
- Additions: Mushrooms or cherry tomatoes can be added for more texture and flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
