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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. 5 stars
    Absolutely fantastic!
    Easy to make. The flavors are all outstanding- Mediterranean but hearty comfort food. New favorite recipe.

    Reply

  2. 5 stars
    Another winner! Had to sub roasted red peppers for the tomatoes and skipped on the olives – peppers definitely help bulk up the orzo and still have the necessary sweetness. The feta and vinaigrette combo could be put on just about anything you want for an instant treat. Thank you for an easy, satisfying, and unique meal!

    Reply

    1. Hi Megan! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! I hope you are staying safe and healthy! xTieghan

      Reply

  3. 5 stars
    I made this recipe last night. It was so easy to follow and even more delicious. The meatballs were so juicy and the orzo was so buttery and lemony – it was a perfect dinner! My boyfriend already ate the leftovers for lunch today. Was not able to make the whipped feta due to machine malfunction but will definitely have to next time I make it.

    Reply

    1. Hi Julie! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! Thank you for trying it! I hope you love it even more with the whipped feta! Stay well! xTieghan

      Reply

  4. 5 stars
    So good!! My boyfriends favorite recipe I have made him so far. I added button mushrooms to the orzo and it was delicious.

    Reply

  5. Absolutely delicious! I made it with rice and it turned out great! Thank you for another wonderful recipe:)

    Reply

  7. 5 stars
    Wow! This was an amazing dish. My husband said, just from smelling it, it was the highlight of his day and then after we ate proclaimed that it was his favorite thing I’ve made (and that is after he said the same thing last week when I made your One Skillet Chicken Enchilada Bake!) and I couldn’t agree more. I have only just discovered your site and am sorry it has taken me this long. I cannot wait for the next thing I make. Thanks for such flavorful and fresh recipes!

    Reply

    1. Haha that is so amazing!! Thank you so much for trying this and the enchilada bake, Stephanie! I hope you both continue to enjoy my recipes! xTieghan

      Reply

  8. Hi Tieghan!
    Trying this tonight! I have all the ingredients EXCEPT the oil packed sun-dried tomatoes. I only have dried. Any suggestions?
    Thanks for getting us through this quarantine with your amazing recipes!
    Kathy

    Reply

    1. Hi Kathy,
      You could use the sun-dried tomatoes in the recipe and then for the dressing use regular olive oil. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

  9. This looks delicious! I’ve loved every one of your recipes that I’ve made, and I’ve made a lot! Any suggestions if I don’t have sun dried tomatoes on hand for the dressing?

    Reply

    1. Hi Samantha,
      You can leave the sun-dried tomatoes out and just use olive oil. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

  10. Can I add cream cheese instead of feta? Is there anything I can add to the cream cheese to get the right flavour profile? Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hi Dee,
      I would recommend using a cheese like goat cheese or ricotta in place of the feta. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

  11. Your site is my favorite! I wonder if using Impossible “meat” would work for my vegetarian friends? Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Hi Laura! I have not tried that meat, but I am sure it will work fine! Please let me know if you do end up trying it! Thank you! xTieghan

      Reply

  14. Stores are running low on ground chicken in my experience. Would turkey suffice or can we do lean ground beef/bison?

    Reply

    1. Hi Fara! Yes, they are super low lately! Turkey should work great for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

  15. Do you think I could make this with Israeli couscous and do it the same way (in the pan)? I don’t have any Orzo! Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hi Gianna,
      Yes I think couscous would work here. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply