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Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

A comforting dish of crispy chicken meatballs paired with tender orzo pasta, creates a delightful marriage of flavors that brings the family together.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground chicken Juicy and flavor-packed
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole grain) Acts as a binder
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can use Halal cheese alternative
  • 1 large egg Helps bind the mixture
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For freshness
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Adds herbal flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup orzo pasta Main starch in the dish
  • 2 cups chicken broth Ensure it's Halal
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking meatballs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice For flavor
  • Fresh herbs for garnishing (optional) Enhances presentation

Method
 

Preparation of Meatballs
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
  2. With wet hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
  2. In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil and add the orzo. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
  3. Once the orzo is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Toss the orzo with olive oil and lemon juice, then gently fold in the cooked meatballs.
Serving
  1. Transfer the Chicken Meatballs with Orzo to a serving dish, sprinkle fresh herbs on top if desired, and enjoy this comforting meal with your family!

Notes

For Halal alternatives to breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers or oats. Do not overcrowd the skillet for even cooking.