Chicken Meatballs with Orzo and Peppers: A Flavorful Weeknight Winner

Looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than this incredible recipe for Chicken Meatballs with Orzo and Peppers! This trending dish is popping up everywhere, and for good reason – it’s a symphony of savory flavors, satisfying textures, and vibrant colors that will brighten any mealtime.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn't just tasty; it's also incredibly versatile and ticks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal. Here's why it's quickly becoming a fan favorite:

Healthy & Wholesome: Lean ground chicken keeps the meatballs light, while plenty of colorful bell peppers add essential vitamins and nutrients.
Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, you can have this meal on the table in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Family-Friendly: The mild, comforting flavors are a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, meatballs are always fun to eat!
One-Pan Potential: While we'll use a couple of pans for optimal results, this dish can be adapted for simpler cleanup.
Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunches throughout the week.

Ready to dive in? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Chicken Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken (93% lean recommended)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking

For the Orzo and Peppers:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 bell peppers (any color), cored and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups chicken broth
1.5 cups orzo pasta
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Extra grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Part 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken Meatballs

Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
Sear the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. They don't need to be cooked through at this stage.
Set Aside: Remove the seared meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Part 2: Cook the Orzo and Peppers

Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet (add a little more olive oil if needed), add the chopped onion and sliced bell peppers. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Introduce Orzo and Broth: Add the chicken broth, orzo pasta, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Simmer with Meatballs: Carefully return the seared chicken meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture.
Cook Until Done: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The meatballs should also be cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking.

Part 3: Serve and Enjoy!

Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the orzo to finish absorbing any remaining liquid.
Serve: Ladle the chicken meatballs with orzo and peppers into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Success & Variations

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat.
Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach (stir in during the last 5 minutes) or zucchini.
Cheese Please: For an extra creamy dish, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone at the very end.
Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or marjoram for varied flavor profiles.
Broth Flavor: Using a good quality chicken broth will significantly enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)

This dish is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Exact nutritional values will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion

This Chicken Meatballs with Orzo and Peppers recipe is truly a winning combination of flavor, ease, and nutrition. It's a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation and is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try tonight and taste why this trending recipe is taking kitchens by storm!