Fab One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and flavor, and these one pan chicken meatballs with orzo deliver precisely that delicious solution.

Tender, juicy meatballs nestle perfectly among creamy, comforting orzo, creating a meal that satisfies from the first bite.

The combination of lean ground chicken and aromatic herbs ensures each mouthful bursts with incredible taste.

Simmered in a rich, savory sauce, the meatballs infuse the entire dish with deep, memorable flavors.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment.

with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction, this recipe promises a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this hearty, Mediterranean-inspired meal that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Total Time: 45 min

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You Need for One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that creates tender, juicy meatballs with a lighter flavor profile compared to beef.
• Breadcrumbs: Acts as a binding agent to help meatballs hold their shape and provides delicate texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and helps create a golden-brown exterior when cooking.
• Milk: Softens breadcrumbs and keeps meatballs moist and tender.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structural integrity to meatballs.

• Parsley: Brings fresh, bright herbaceous notes and vibrant green color.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers complex, aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances other ingredients.
• Garlic: Provides intense, pungent flavor and aromatic depth.
• Onion Powder: Offers subtle sweet and savory undertones.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, savory liquid base for cooking orzo.
• Orzo: Small pasta that absorbs flavors and provides creamy, comforting texture.
• Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and richness to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear meatballs and prevents sticking to the pan.

Tools for Cooking Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all meatball ingredients smoothly.
• Skillet: Essential for searing meatballs and cooking orzo in one pan.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and scraping pan without scratching surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Knife: Needed for chopping parsley and mincing garlic.
• Foil: Helpful for keeping meatballs warm while preparing orzo.
• Plate: Used for temporarily holding cooked meatballs.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

Cozy Chicken Meatball Skillet

• Meatball Mixture

Mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Let the blend rest to develop rich flavors and help ingredients meld together perfectly.

• Meatball Formation

Gently roll the chicken mixture into soft, bite-sized spheres using your hands. Keep them uniform for even cooking.

• Golden Sear

Heat a skillet and create a beautiful golden crust on each meatball. This step locks in delicious juices and builds incredible flavor. Remove meatballs and set aside.

• Flavor Base

In the same skillet, quickly toast garlic until fragrant, capturing all those delicious browned bits from the meatballs.

• Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pan, creating a silky sauce that will transform your orzo into a creamy dream. Scrape the skillet to release all hidden flavor treasures.

• Orzo Symphony

Add orzo, cream, and cheese to the skillet. Let everything simmer and dance together, creating a harmonious one-pan meal that feels like a warm hug.

• Final Fusion

Return meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo. Cover and let everything mingle and become deliciously tender.

• Comfort Served

Dish out your masterpiece and savor the rich, comforting flavors of this simple yet spectacular meal.

Tips and Twists for Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

• Keep chicken meatballs juicy by using a combination of dark and white ground chicken meat, which adds extra richness and prevents dryness during cooking.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to create unique taste profiles that complement the chicken meatballs.
• Prepare meatball mixture and shape them in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking to save time on busy weeknights.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for those who enjoy a subtle heat and want to elevate the dish's flavor complexity.

Serving Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

• Cozy Dinner Party Delight: Create an elegant dining experience by serving these meatballs on a large rustic platter, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
• Family-Style Comfort Meal: Layer the chicken meatballs and orzo in a deep ceramic dish, allowing everyone to scoop generous portions directly from the center of the table. Kids and adults will love the interactive serving style.
• Mediterranean Inspired Presentation: Pair the dish with a crisp Greek salad and warm pita bread on the side. Sprinkle some additional chopped herbs like basil or oregano for a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates the entire meal.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Pack remaining meatballs and orzo in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch. The flavors will develop overnight, making the dish even more delectable when reheated.

Storage Advice for Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the meatball mixture and freeze half for future quick meals. Wrap uncooked meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover chicken meatballs and orzo in airtight containers, keeping them refrigerated for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken when chilled, so gently reheat with a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency.
• Smart Reheating Technique: When warming refrigerated meatballs, use a microwave-safe dish with a damp paper towel covering the food. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Magic: Assemble the entire dish in advance and refrigerate uncooked. When ready to serve, simply place the skillet on the stove and cook for 15-20 minutes, ensuring meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Hearty One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 min
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty one pan chicken meatballs with orzo deliver Mediterranean comfort on a single skillet. Savory herbs, tomatoes, and creamy orzo blend perfectly for you to enjoy a simple, satisfying meal that celebrates rustic Italian-inspired cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lbs (454 g) ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1 cup (55 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup milk
• ⅔ cup cream (heavy cream or light cream)
• ½ cup (35 g) dry breadcrumbs
• 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups (278 g) dry orzo pasta
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Mixture Preparation: Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic, onion powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Fold ingredients gently until well-distributed, then let rest to allow breadcrumbs to absorb moisture and improve texture.
2. Meatball Formation and Searing: Roll chicken mixture into compact spheres roughly 1-1¼ inches wide. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with oil, then sear meatballs until golden and caramelized, rotating to ensure even browning. Transfer to a warm plate.
3. Flavor Foundation: In the same skillet, toast minced garlic to release its aromatic essence. Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping caramelized bits from the bottom to capture concentrated flavors.
4. Orzo and Sauce Creation: Add orzo, cream, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to create a creamy base. Gently nestle seared meatballs into the orzo mixture.
5. Finishing and Serving: Cover and simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and orzo to reach al dente perfection while sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, showcasing the harmonious blend of tender meatballs and creamy orzo.

Notes

• Prevent Overworking Mixture: Gently mix ingredients to maintain a light, tender texture in meatballs. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough results.
• Uniform Meatball Size: Use a small ice cream scoop or consistent hand-rolling technique to ensure even cooking and professional presentation.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Deglazing the pan captures caramelized bits, intensifying the dish’s overall taste profile and creating a rich, complex sauce.
• Rest and Absorb: Allow mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes before forming meatballs, enabling breadcrumbs to absorb moisture and improve meatball structure.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg