Savory Chicken Meatballs and Orzo Skillet Recipe for Easy Dinners

Savory one pan chicken meatballs with orzo promise a delightful culinary adventure that changes ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Home cooks seek simple yet satisfying meals that minimize cleanup and maximize flavor.

These compact protein-packed spheres nestle perfectly alongside tender pasta grains, creating a harmonious dish with minimal kitchen effort.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse each tender morsel with robust, aromatic notes that tantalize taste buds.

Balanced textures merge soft, juicy meatballs with delicate orzo, offering a comforting meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Quick preparation meets hearty satisfaction in this streamlined recipe that eliminates multiple pots and pans.

The magic happens when carefully selected ingredients meld together, producing a one-pot wonder that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Kitchen Hacks for Juicy Meatballs and Tender Orzo

• Blend Gently: Mix meatball ingredients lightly to prevent dense, tough texture; use a fork or your hands with a light touch.
• Moisture Magic: Let the mixture rest before forming meatballs, allowing breadcrumbs to absorb liquid and create tender, juicy results.
• Sear for Flavor: Brown meatballs thoroughly to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in delicious chicken flavor.
• Scrape and Savor: Always deglaze the pan to capture those flavorful browned bits, transforming a simple dish into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Cheese Control: Grate fresh Parmesan for maximum flavor and avoid pre-packaged cheese, which can be less creamy and flavorful.

Store and Reheat One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

• Refrigerate: Transfer remaining chicken meatballs and orzo to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through completely, about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave Option: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a little extra broth or water to maintain moisture.

What to Serve with Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy, savory chicken meatballs by serving a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness of the dish, creating a refreshing balance that elevates every bite.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Side Salad: Complement the orzo with a light Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. Dress it with a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette to add a zesty, fresh contrast to the hearty meatballs.
• Rustic Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the dish to soak up the creamy sauce. The golden, buttery bread provides a delightful textural crunch and helps mop up every last bit of the flavorful orzo mixture.
• Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: For a non-alcoholic option, create a refreshing drink with sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of honey. The bright, effervescent beverage cuts through the dish's richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Flavor Twists on One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

• Mediterranean Herb Blast: Swap Italian seasoning for za'atar, add fresh mint, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese into the meatballs for a Greek-inspired version. Garnish with chopped cucumber and dill for extra freshness.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix ground chicken with chipotle powder, cilantro, and cumin. Top the orzo with pepper jack cheese and serve with a dollop of salsa verde for a zesty kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms before adding orzo, and stir in a splash of white wine. Incorporate dried porcini powder into the meatball mixture for an earthy, rich flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Blend ground chicken with ginger, green onions, and a touch of sesame oil. Finish the dish with a drizzle of sriracha and sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant, tangy experience.

Simplify Dinner with One Pan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

• Craft Effortless Comfort: This one-pan chicken meatballs with orzo recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious weeknight meals.
• Texture Explosion: Enjoy golden-brown meatballs nestled in creamy, perfectly cooked orzo, creating a delightful contrast between crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior that keeps every bite interesting.
• Quick Culinary Magic: Transformed from simple ingredients to a gourmet-style dinner in just 30 minutes, this recipe proves sophisticated meals don't require complicated techniques or endless preparation time.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable to different taste preferences by adjusting seasonings or adding vegetables, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone can find something to love.

Ingredients for One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for meatballs, choose fresh ground chicken with moderate fat content for juiciness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich flavor and helps bind meatballs, select good quality aged cheese for best taste.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: Essential for meatball structure and moisture, fresh breadcrumbs provide better texture.
• Parsley, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic profile, use fresh herbs when possible.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear meatballs and prevent sticking, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Creates rich base for orzo, low-sodium options allow better seasoning control.
• Orzo Pasta: Quick-cooking pasta that absorbs flavors well, select high-quality pasta for best results.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create creamy sauce, full-fat cream provides best texture.

Cooking Chicken Meatballs and Orzo in One Pan

Step 1: Create Meatball Magic

Combine all meatball ingredients in the mixing bowl. Gently fold ingredients together until just mixed. Don’t overwork the mixture- tender meatballs need a light touch. Let the mixture rest for 15 minutes to let flavors mingle and breadcrumbs absorb moisture.

Step 2: Shape Your Protein Pearls

Roll the chicken mixture into small, uniform balls about the size of a golf ball. Keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place meatballs into the pan, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in flavor and creates a delicious exterior. Remove meatballs and set aside.

Step 4: Aromatic Foundation

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until it releases its fragrant oils. The pan’s residual goodness will infuse incredible depth into your dish.

Step 5: Liquid Landscape

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up those delicious browned bits from the bottom. These flavor nuggets are culinary gold!

Step 6: Orzo Transformation

Add orzo, cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet.

Step 7: Simmer and Marry Flavors

Cover and let everything simmer on medium-low heat. The orzo will absorb the rich liquid while the meatballs continue cooking. After about 10 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting one-pan feast.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasonings. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired one pan chicken meatballs with orzo deliver a symphony of flavors from Italy and Greece. Juicy herbed chicken meatballs nestle perfectly in creamy orzo, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:

• ½ cup (55 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup milk
• ⅔ cup cream (heavy cream for richer flavor, light cream for thinner consistency)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Seasoning and Supporting Ingredients:

• ½ cup (35 grams) dry breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups (about 278 grams) dry orzo pasta
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Create a harmonious blend of ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic, onion powder, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold the ingredients until evenly distributed, being careful not to overwork the mixture. Allow the blend to rest, enabling breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture and enhance the meatballs’ texture.
2. Craft uniform meatballs by delicately rolling the chicken mixture into compact, bite-sized spheres approximately 1 to 1¼ inches in diameter.
3. Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, introducing oil to create a golden sear on the meatballs. Rotate them carefully to achieve an even, crisp exterior. Once beautifully caramelized, transfer the meatballs to a separate plate, tenting with foil to maintain warmth.
4. Utilize the same skillet to toast minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence and creating a flavor foundation for the dish.
5. Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, carefully scraping the caramelized remnants from the skillet’s bottom. This technique captures the concentrated flavor developed during the meatball searing process.
6. Incorporate orzo, cream, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution and create a creamy, cohesive base.
7. Nestle the previously seared meatballs atop the orzo mixture. Cover and simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and the orzo to reach a perfect al dente consistency while the sauce thickens and intensifies in flavor.
8. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, making subtle adjustments if necessary. Present the dish immediately, celebrating the harmonious blend of tender meatballs and creamy orzo.

Notes

• Resting the meat mixture allows breadcrumbs to absorb moisture, creating tender and juicy meatballs that won’t fall apart during cooking.
• Searing meatballs first develops a delicious golden-brown crust, locking in flavor and creating a beautiful texture before finishing in the orzo sauce.
• Deglazing the pan with chicken broth captures all the delicious browned bits, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, deeply flavored sauce.
• Using one skillet reduces cleanup and helps build layers of flavor throughout the entire cooking process, making this a convenient and tasty meal.
• Covering the skillet while simmering helps the orzo cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with delicious chicken and cheese flavor.
• Letting the dish rest briefly before serving allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and satisfying meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg