Chicken Meatballs with Peppers and Orzo

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Description

This cozy, colorful one-pan dinner features juicy chicken meatballs, tender orzo, and sweet bell peppers simmered in a savory broth. Balanced and comforting, it’s a weeknight-friendly meal that brings Mediterranean-inspired flavors to your table with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

For the Orzo and Peppers:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
• Optional: lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into 1-inch meatballs.

Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove and set aside.

Cook the vegetables and orzo: In the same pan, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Simmer everything together: Add the orzo, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then nestle the meatballs back into the pan. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.

Serve: Fluff the orzo gently with a fork. Garnish with chopped herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• Add a handful of spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking for added greens.
• Orzo can be swapped for white rice, pearl couscous, or small pasta shapes like pastina.
• For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.

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