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Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Orzo served in creamy garlic parmesan sauce

Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

A cozy and comforting meal featuring juicy garlic butter chicken meatballs served over creamy orzo. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground chicken Not extra lean for better moisture.
  • 1 large egg Helps hold the mixture together.
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs Plain or Italian style.
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan Plus more for serving.
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced For flavor in meatballs.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Or 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
  • to taste salt and pepper Do not be shy with seasoning.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce and Orzo
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the meatballs.
  • 4 tablespoons butter For the garlic butter sauce.
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced Additional for the sauce.
  • 1 cup orzo Cooks quickly and absorbs flavor.
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth Plus a splash more as needed.
  • 1/2 cup cream or whole milk For creaminess.
  • optional spinach, peas, lemon juice, chili flakes Customize to taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently, then roll into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on most sides. Remove to a plate.
Cooking
  1. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
  2. Stir in the orzo so it gets coated in garlic butter. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
  3. Nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet and let everything simmer until the orzo is tender and the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add a splash more broth if the pan looks dry.
  4. Stir in the cream or milk and add spinach if desired. Adjust salt, pepper, and Parmesan to taste. A squeeze of lemon can brighten up the dish.
Serving
  1. Top with extra Parmesan and parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

Meatballs can be frozen for later use. Reheat with a splash of broth or water. Customize with vegetables as desired.