This easy-to-make dish is packed with fresh lemon flavor and creamy goodness! Tender chicken meatballs are baked in lemon and garlic-infused butter, then served over a rich and cheesy spinach orzo—all made in just one pot. The combination of buttery, citrusy meatballs with the creamy pasta makes this dish a comforting and flavorful meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Lemon Butter Chicken Meatballs:

• 8 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 egg
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon each onion powder, garlic powder & salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Spinach Orzo:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 pound orzo (about 2 ½ cups)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach

Directions

1. Prepare the Lemon Butter Base:
   • In an oven-safe skillet, arrange the lemon slices in a single layer.
   • Add the butter and minced garlic, then cook over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
   • Remove from heat and set aside. If using a non-oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
2. Make the Chicken Meatballs:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
   • Roll the mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized meatballs (about 18 meatballs total).
   • Place the meatballs on top of the lemon slices in the skillet.
   • Loosely cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Prepare the Creamy Spinach Orzo:
   • While the meatballs are baking, heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, milk, salt, and pepper.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and mix in the orzo.
   • Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
   • Add lemon juice and more broth or milk if needed.
   • Mix in the parmesan cheese and baby spinach, stirring until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.
4. Assemble and Serve:
   • Serve the baked meatballs over the creamy spinach orzo.
   • Drizzle with the extra lemon butter from the baking dish.
   • Enjoy while hot!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 862 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 82g
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 41g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Cholesterol: 199mg
• Sodium: 1333mg
• Potassium: 1008mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 9g
• Vitamin A: 2196 IU
• Vitamin C: 18mg
• Calcium: 432mg
• Iron: 3mg

Enjoy this delicious and comforting dinner recipe that brings together zesty lemon, rich butter, and creamy pasta in every bite! 🍋🧈🍽️

The Inspiration Behind This Recipe

This dish takes inspiration from classic Mediterranean and Italian flavors, incorporating the tangy brightness of lemon, the richness of butter, and the creamy texture of parmesan cheese. Chicken meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs, making them a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. The creamy spinach orzo, infused with lemon and garlic, serves as the perfect base for the dish, balancing out the richness of the buttery sauce and the slight acidity of the lemon.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

There are several reasons why this dish stands out from other pasta and meatball recipes:

• One-Pot Convenience: The entire meal is made using just one skillet, reducing the hassle of cleanup and making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Balanced Flavors: The lemon butter enhances the mild chicken meatballs, while the creamy orzo provides a comforting texture with cheesy goodness.
• Nutritious Ingredients: With fresh baby spinach, high-protein chicken, and parmesan cheese, this dish provides essential nutrients without being overly heavy.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out the orzo for another type of pasta or grains, and the meatballs can be adjusted with different seasonings and herbs.

The Secret to Juicy and Flavorful Chicken Meatballs

One of the key elements of this dish is the juicy chicken meatballs baked in a lemon butter sauce. Unlike beef or pork, chicken can sometimes become dry if overcooked. Here are some tips to keep your chicken meatballs moist and flavorful:

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs and Parmesan: These ingredients help retain moisture and add depth of flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overworking the meat mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Bake Instead of Frying: Baking the meatballs in the butter-lemon sauce ensures they remain juicy, soaking up all the rich flavors as they cook.
• Let Them Rest: Allowing the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking helps redistribute the juices, making them even more tender.

The Creamy Spinach Orzo – A Perfect Pairing

The creamy spinach orzo serves as the ideal complement to the meatballs, offering a smooth, cheesy, and slightly tangy base. Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, absorbs the flavors of the broth and milk, creating a luxuriously creamy texture. Here’s why this side dish works so well:

• Lemon Juice Adds Brightness: The acidity from fresh lemon juice balances out the richness of the butter and cheese.
• Baby Spinach Brings Freshness: Not only does spinach add nutrients, but it also introduces a slight earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese for Creaminess: The cheese melts into the sauce, giving the dish a luscious, velvety finish.
• One-Pot Cooking: The orzo cooks in the same pan, absorbing the broth and milk to develop a rich and creamy consistency without needing additional heavy cream.

Customization and Variations

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to tweak ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to customize the dish:

• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or a grain like quinoa or rice.
• Use Turkey Instead of Chicken: Ground turkey can be used in place of chicken for a similar texture and flavor.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini can be added to enhance the nutritional value and variety of textures.
• Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkle them over the final dish.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, along with dairy-free cheese substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

To make this dish even more enjoyable, pair it with simple side dishes and accompaniments:

• A Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors of the dish without overpowering it.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: Perfect for soaking up any extra lemon butter sauce and creamy orzo.
• A Glass of White Wine: A citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the lemon-infused flavors.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans can add extra nutrients and color to your meal.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them while maintaining the dish’s flavor and texture:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs separately from the orzo for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.
• Reheating: Warm the dish in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the meatballs and make the orzo mushy.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth Adding to Your Recipe Rotation

This Lemon Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Orzo recipe is the perfect balance of comfort food and gourmet flavors. The juicy, lemon-infused chicken meatballs paired with the creamy, cheesy orzo make for a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and experience the harmony of zesty lemon, rich butter, and creamy pasta in every bite!