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One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with lemony whipped feta and sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. The perfect weeknight dinner…simple, hearty, and delicious! Pan-seared Greek seasoned chicken meatballs, cooked together with lemon butter orzo pasta for a complete dinner made in just one skillet. Serve everything over creamy, salty whipped feta cheese. Truly one of those dinners that everyone at the table will love. Great for a weeknight, but fancy and unique enough to serve to guests as well.

overhead photo of One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo

You guys, this recipe? It’s one of my favorites of the week. Yes, I say that often, but I honestly mean it each time I say it.

I’m not sure if I mentioned or not, but my older brother Creighton was recently in town visiting. Creighton loves food and he is one of my favorite brothers to be able to cook for. The one thing he really loves? Any kind of meatball. The other thing he really loves? Any kind of Greek food.

Naturally, I put the two together and got this colorful bowl of crispy chicken meatballs, buttery orzo, and salty whipped feta cheese. There’s a lot happening with this recipe, but it’s worth the extra time. And my oh gosh, every bite is truly so delicious. Bonus? It’s all pretty healthy, and simple too.

Greek Meatballs on plate after cooking

To make this simple skillet dinner…

Start with the meatballs. I seasoned the ground chicken with shallots, garlic, smoked paprika, and plenty of fresh oregano, then rolled into balls and done. Typically when I make meatballs I keep the mix very simple and opt out of using any kind of egg or breadcrumb. I know this is a little controversial, but I really don’t find the egg or breadcrumbs to be needed, especially with a chicken meatball.

Once the meatballs are formed, the rest is pretty simple. You’ll pan cook the meatballs until crisp on the outside and cooked through inside. This really only takes a few minutes, so the process is quick. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet, then add in a couple of pats of butter and fresh lemon slices. Allow the lemons to caramelize, then toss in dry orzo pasta and some garlic.

Now stop and smell the wonderful smell of garlicky, lemony butter coming from your skillet. It’s very, very good. Let the orzo and garlic cook until lightly golden. Now pour in some water and boil the orzo until just perfectly al dente. Stir in some salty green olives and a handful of fresh dill. Toss the meatballs back in.

And now you’re done. Well, kind of, but not quite…

sun-dried tomato vinaigrette in bowl

Let’s talk about the vinaigrette + that whipped feta.

While the orzo is cooking mix up a quick vinaigrette with some sun-dried tomatoes and the olive oil left in the tomato jar. Add in balsamic vinegar and a squeeze of lemon. This is your super simple tomato vinaigrette.

Now, the feta. Is this necessary? No, absolutely not. But do you need this? Yes, you absolutely do.

First things first, the feta is easy. If you have a food processor, all you do is whip it with olive oil until creamy. It takes just a few minutes and is worth every bit of extra effort…and even the extra dish to wash. Please trust me on this. Once the warm orzo and meatballs touch the creamy feta, it immediately begins to melt into everything creating a creamy, delicious “sauce”.

It’s the perfect amount of salty, creaminess to balance out all the savory flavors and crispy meatballs.

overhead close up photo of One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo

Finish it up.

Once you have everything all together, spread the feta out, top with orzo, and then the meatballs. Add baby arugula and fresh herbs, then spoon over that tangy vinaigrette.

DONE. It’s not my simplest skillet dinner, but it sure is GOOD. As I said, the feta melts into the orzo and meatballs making everything creamy, but perfectly salty too. It’s the perfect marriage of flavors, crispiness, and creaminess.

It’s fresh, vibrant, full of vegetables, but yet so cozy too. Perfect for these winter days that have us craving a pop of fresh color!

My only recommendation? Serve this dish with some kind of pita. It could be garlic naan, homemade pita, or something from the store. Either way, add some bread. It’s ideal for scooping up all the feta and sauces from this dish.

Delicious.

overhead photo of One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo and bite taken out of meatball

Looking for other Mediterranean inspired recipes? Try these!

One Skillet Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Orzo.

Greek Lamb Meatballs with Avocado Goddess Sauce

Lemony Garlic Chicken and Orzo Soup

Lastly, if you make this one skillet Greek meatballs and lemon butter orzo, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Watch the How To Video:

One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta

Author: Tieghan Gerard
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 563 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Watch the How-To Reel

Ingredients

Whipped Feta

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • 1. Add the chicken, shallot, 1 clove garlic, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper, salt, and pepper to a bowl. Mix until just combined. Coat your hands with a bit of oil, roll the meat into tablespoon-size balls (will make 14-15 meatballs).
    2. Heat a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil shimmers, add the meatballs and sear until crisp and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, turning them 2-3 times. Transfer to a plate.
    3. To the same skillet, add the butter and lemon slices. Sear the lemon until golden on each side, about 1 minute. Remove the lemon from the pan and add to the plate with the meatballs. To the same skillet, add 1 clove garlic and the orzo. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and the orzo toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Add the 2 1/2 cups water and 1-2 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook, stirring often, until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in the olives and dill. Slide the meatballs back into the skillet and cook until warmed through.
    4. Meanwhile, make the sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and the balsamic vinegar until combined. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tablespoon dill, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
    5. To make the feta. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy. The feta can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. 
    6. To serve, spread the feta onto plates and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Add the orzo, seared lemons, and meatballs. Sprinkle on some greens and herbs. Enjoy!

Notes

Whipped Feta: if you prefer you can just crumble the feta cheese over the meatballs instead of whipping it. 
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horizontal photo of One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo

This post was originally published on February 19, 2020
4.21 from 1638 votes (1,344 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 2 stars
    I tried. I really did. I have all of your cookbooks, have been following for years, successfully tried so many recipes, but this one I just couldn’t get. I tried TWICE. I got the meatballs the second time around, but everything else was a disaster. The cheese dip tasted too much like Greek yogurt, so for the second time I didn’t add nearly as much and it still was yogurt-y. The orzo burnt the first time, and wasn’t cooked enough, and then had too much water the second time I tried. The meatballs worked for the first time, so I saved them to reheat when I tried the second night. Didn’t even try the vinaigrette. I feel like if I don’t have all the same exact tools and ingredients as you, the recipe doesn’t work for me like it does for you. Sorry girl, but I tried.

    Reply

  3. 5 stars
    Great recipe! Wish I could rate it higher! My Dad HATES ground chicken and he loved this!! He even took a picture of the recipe for himself ? #win. Good job halfbaked harvest you made my dad finally enjoy ground chicken 🙂

    Reply

  4. 5 stars
    Love this recipe. I made it with grassfed ground beef. Made lemon coconut rice instead of orzo. Added crispy kale for a vegetable. Otherwise I followed the recipe, and will be adding it into our regular rotation!

    Reply

    1. Hey Lulu,
      Thanks a lot for giving the recipe a go, I am so delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xTieghan

      Reply

    2. 5 stars
      Loved this dish. All the components together are amazing. Plate as tieghan suggests and you won’t be disappointed.
      It did take longer than it said but worth the wait. I suggest making feta sauce and viniagrette well in advance to reduce actual time. Will try with turkey next then lMb for fun. Thanks tieghan.

      Reply

      1. Hey there,
        I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xxTieghan

        Reply

  6. I was so looking forward to making this but I can’t find orzo anywhere – crazy, I know!

    Any recommendations for an alternative?

    Reply

    1. Hey Edina,
      Arborio rice would be great with this dish. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

  7. How much of this recipe can be done ahead of time?
    Perhaps searing the meatballs and doing the whipped feta then cooking the orzo and finishing up when its time to eat?
    I am having my family pod over for dinner and I want to have it mostly done and cleaned up ..

    Reply

    1. Hey Jennifer,
      Yes, that would be totally fine to do ahead of time! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

  8. 4 stars
    A lot of sidesteps to this one. Could’ve done without the balsamic dressing. Meatballs turned out really good with the feta!

    Reply

      1. Hey Megan,
        You could do goat cheese or ricotta in place of the feta, I think both of those would work well here. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

        Reply

  9. 5 stars
    This recipe is ahhhmazing. I bought a cast iron skillet because of this recipe and thank goodness I did . It was perfect. Kids and husband loved it . Kids were sad the next day because there were no leftovers .

    Reply

  11. 5 stars
    I made this tonight My son looks at the plate and goes that looks so good as he was talking to my oldest son on the phone He goes I have to go He takes one bite snd goes mom this is so good My oldest son calls back wants to know what it was I always send your pics since they really capture it so perfectly He goes that looks so good mom And it was so so good Another win

    Reply

  13. 5 stars
    This was fan-freaking-tastic! Simply delicious. This will definitely be a staple moving forward. Thank you, Tiegan!

    Reply

  14. One of the best meals we’ve ever made at home! Thank you for bringing so much joy to our cooking at home, especially during these COVID days!

    Reply

  15. Hi Tieghan! Do you have any more macro information beyond calories? We had this for dinner last night and it was delicious!

    Reply

    1. Hey Hailey,
      So sorry I do not have that information available. I hope you love the recipe, let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply