Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure? These Chicken Meatballs with Orzo and Peppers are about to become your new obsession! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken meatballs nestled alongside vibrant bell peppers and delicate orzo, creating a meal that's both comforting and exciting. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cooked orzo
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the red bell pepper and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and cooked orzo. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Once the mixture is combined, use your hands to form small meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 16 meatballs from the mixture.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown them evenly on all sides. The meatballs should be cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the meatballs are cooking, in a separate pot, heat a little more olive oil if necessary and add the diced red bell pepper. Sauté the peppers for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Once the meatballs are done cooking, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet with the sautéed peppers, you can add the cooked meatballs back in to warm them up for a minute or two.
- Serve the chicken meatballs warm, alongside the sautéed peppers and cooked orzo. You can garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Chicken Meatballs with Orzo and Peppers!
Tips
- Keep your hands slightly damp when forming meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers.
- Don't overwork the meat mixture - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or finely chopped fresh herbs to the meatball mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can finish the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F for 2-3 minutes after pan-searing.
- Make sure to let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain their juiciness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
