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Chicken Meatballs and Orzo Dish

Featured in Recipes the Whole Family Will Love.

This one-pan dish combines tender chicken meatballs, vibrant bell peppers, and orzo simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Easy to prepare, it's perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights, offering balanced flavors and wholesome ingredients. The chicken meatballs bring juiciness, while the peppers add sweetness and color, complemented by tender orzo absorbing all the delicious broth. Optional fresh herbs and lemon add a bright, finishing touch to this satisfying meal.

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Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:02:59 GMT
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A bowl of food with meatballs and pasta. | Chicken Meatballs with Peppers and Orzo

This colorful chicken meatball and orzo skillet has become my weeknight dinner hero combining juicy meatballs with sweet peppers and tender pasta all in one pan. The Mediterranean flavors bring warmth and comfort while keeping the ingredient list simple and the cleanup minimal.

I first created this recipe when trying to use up some ground chicken and bell peppers before a weekend trip. My family loved it so much that it's now requested at least twice a month and has become our go-to comfort meal when we need something satisfying but not too heavy.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

The sweet bell peppers are what make this dish special for me. I discovered their magic when my garden produced an abundance one summer and I've been pairing them with orzo ever since. Something about how they soften and release their natural sweetness into the broth creates an incredible depth of flavor that store-bought stock alone can't match.

Storage and Reheating

Making It Your Own

Serving Suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, pork, or even beef for the chicken. Adjust the seasoning accordingly for the best flavor.

→ What can I use instead of orzo?

You can swap orzo for small pasta shapes like pastina, couscous, or even rice. Cooking times may vary, so adjust as needed.

→ How do I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for added flavor.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking or tossing in diced zucchini for extra veggies.

→ Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can roll and brown the meatballs in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking with the orzo and peppers.

→ What garnishes work well with this dish?

Fresh parsley, basil, or a squeeze of lemon juice make excellent garnishes for a bright and fresh finish.

Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

Cozy one-pan chicken meatballs with peppers and orzo in a flavorful broth.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken Meatballs

01 1 lb ground chicken
02 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
03 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 1 large egg
05 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
06 1 garlic clove, minced
07 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

→ For the Orzo and Peppers

11 1 small yellow onion, diced
12 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
13 2 garlic cloves, minced
14 1 cup dry orzo pasta
15 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
16 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
17 Salt and pepper, to taste
18 Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish
19 Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.

Step 02

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

Step 03

In the same pan, add onion and peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 04

Stir in orzo, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Return meatballs to the pan. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and meatballs are cooked through.

Step 05

Fluff orzo gently and garnish with herbs and lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  1. Add spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
  2. Swap orzo for rice or small pasta like pastina.
  3. Make it dairy-free by skipping the Parmesan or using nutritional yeast.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large bowl
  • Large skillet or sauté pan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs, orzo)
  • Contains egg

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 430
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 29 g