Description
A delightful dish combining lemon chicken ricotta meatballs with garlic orzo, bursting with fresh flavors and nutrition.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: 500 grams (about 1 pound)
- Ricotta cheese: 250 grams (about 1 cup)
- Lemon zest: From 1 large lemon
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Breadcrumbs: 100 grams (about 1 cup)
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Orzo pasta: 200 grams (about 1 cup)
- Chicken broth: 500 milliliters (about 2 cups)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: Additional minced garlic for orzo
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture by combining ground chicken, ricotta cheese, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Form the meatballs by rolling small amounts of the mixture into balls about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter.
- Cook the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- In the same skillet, add orzo pasta and stir to coat in the oil, then pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add minced garlic to the orzo after 30 seconds of cooking, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Once the orzo is cooked, gently fold the meatballs back into the skillet with the orzo and heat together for a couple of minutes.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
- Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before forming meatballs for better shape.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 75°C (165°F).
- Experiment with herbs for added flavor.
- Cook meatballs in batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, ricotta meatballs, garlic orzo, Italian recipe, healthy dinner