Chicken Meatballs and Orzo Skillet
by Alina Orozco
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
This Chicken Meatballs and Orzo Skillet is an easy one-pan dinner made with tender ground chicken meatballs, creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and kale. The chicken meatballs are flavored with garlic, cilantro, lime, and red pepper flakes, while the orzo cooks right in the same skillet for a flavorful and satisfying weeknight meal.
Everything comes together in one skillet, which means less cleanup and plenty of flavor. You can also make this recipe dairy-free by skipping the Parmesan and heavy cream.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Meatballs and Orzo Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy one-skillet chicken dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.
- One skillet: The chicken meatballs and orzo cook in the same pan.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Simple ingredients make this a practical meal for busy nights.
- Lots of flavor: Lime, cilantro, garlic, red pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes give this dish plenty of flavor.
- Easy to customize: Swap the kale for spinach or another leafy green.
- Minimal cleanup: One skillet means fewer dishes to wash.
The combination of juicy chicken meatballs, tender orzo, hearty kale, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes makes this a cozy dinner that’s satisfying without being complicated.
The Story Behind These Chicken Meatballs
Originally, I made this recipe using Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chicken Patties, which I turned into meatballs for a one-skillet chicken meatballs and orzo dinner with sun-dried tomatoes and kale.
But, as all good things do, they eventually came to an end. Trader Joe’s discontinued the chicken patties.
Don’t worry, though. I created my own version of the chili-lime chicken meatballs, and they’re still super tasty, easy, and satisfying.
In fact, making the chicken meatballs from scratch gives you even more control over the flavor. The combination of lime, cilantro, garlic, and red pepper works beautifully with the savory orzo and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients for Chicken Meatballs and Orzo
- ground chicken
- red bell pepper
- cilantro
- garlic
- red pepper flakes*
- lime
- orzo
- chicken stock
- olive oil
- kale
- sun-dried tomatoes
- parmesan cheese*
- salt and pepper
- heavy cream*
* You can skip these items if you want to keep this recipe dairy-free, and you’ll still have a cozy and creamy dinner.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes. The Parmesan cheese and heavy cream are optional, so you can leave them out for a dairy-free version.
The chicken stock, vegetables, herbs, lime, and sun-dried tomatoes still give the orzo plenty of flavor without the dairy.
If you do add Parmesan and heavy cream, they give the skillet a richer, creamier finish.
How to Make Chicken Meatballs and Orzo
Step 1: Make the Chicken Meatballs
Add the ground chicken, minced red pepper, garlic, half of the chopped onion, cilantro, and red pepper flakes to a large bowl.
Add the juice from half of the lime and Parmesan cheese, if using. Season with salt and black pepper.
Gently mix everything together until combined. Try not to overmix the chicken, as this can make the meatballs dense.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken meatballs and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, turning them as needed so they brown on all sides.
The meatballs don’t need to be completely cooked through at this stage. They’ll continue cooking when you return them to the skillet with the orzo.
Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add a little more olive oil to the same skillet if needed.
Add the remaining onion and cook until translucent.
Add the orzo and stir it into the onions and the flavorful juices left behind by the chicken meatballs.
Let the orzo cook for a minute or two, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Add the Chicken Stock
Pour the chicken stock into the skillet with the orzo.
Return the chicken meatballs to the skillet and gently nestle them into the orzo.
Cook over medium heat for several minutes, stirring the orzo occasionally.
Step 5: Add the Kale and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add the kale and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.
Reduce the heat and allow everything to simmer until the orzo is tender and the chicken meatballs are cooked through.
If the orzo absorbs the liquid before it is completely cooked, add a little more chicken stock or water and continue cooking.
Step 6: Finish the Chicken Orzo Skillet
Once the orzo is tender and the chicken meatballs are cooked through, gently stir everything together.
For a creamy finish, stir in the heavy cream and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Squeeze the remaining fresh lime over the skillet just before serving.
Serve warm with an extra lime wedge and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Chicken Meatballs and Orzo with Kale and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 red pepper, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tbs cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lime, halved
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup kale, core removed
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup orzo
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Add olive oil to the pan and fry your meatballs for 5 minutes on each side.
- Once the meatballs are brown on all sides, set them aside. Add more olive oil to the pan and and the other half of your onion. Cook until translucent.
- Add orzo to the pan and stir.
- Add kale and sun-dried tomatoes. Lower the temperature and allow everything to simmer. Add more liquid if the pasta doesn’t seem done.
- Once cooked, mix everything and serve with a lime wedge. (Or pour 1/2 a lime over the skillet before serving).
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Meatballs and Orzo
Don’t Overmix the Chicken
Mix the meatball ingredients just until they’re combined. Overmixing ground chicken can make the finished meatballs dense.
Keep the Meatballs Small
Small chicken meatballs cook more quickly and evenly, and they’re easier to eat with the orzo.
Watch the Orzo as It Cooks
Orzo absorbs liquid quickly. If the pasta isn’t tender but the skillet looks dry, add another splash of chicken stock or water.
Remove the Tough Parts of the Kale
Kale can be tougher than other leafy greens. Remove the thick center rib before chopping the leaves.
I also recommend gently massaging the kale with your hands before adding it to the skillet. This helps soften the leaves.
Add Cream and Parmesan for Extra Richness
Heavy cream and Parmesan are optional, but they add a creamy, savory finish to the orzo.
Don’t have either ingredient? No problem. This chicken meatballs and orzo recipe is still delicious without them.
Can I Use Spinach Instead of Kale?
Absolutely. Spinach is an easy substitute for kale and cooks much faster.
You can also use arugula or another hearty leafy green. If you’re using spinach, add it toward the end of cooking so it doesn’t become overly wilted.
Can I Use Store-Bought Chicken Meatballs?
Yes!
I originally made this recipe using ready-made chicken patties, and there is absolutely no shame in taking a shortcut when you’re trying to get dinner on the table.
You can use prepared chicken meatballs instead of making your own. Brown them in the skillet, then continue with the orzo portion of the recipe.
It’s an easy way to turn this into an even faster one-pan weeknight dinner.
Can I Make This Chicken Orzo Without Heavy Cream?
Yes. The heavy cream is completely optional.
For a lighter and dairy-free version, simply leave out the heavy cream and Parmesan. The orzo will still absorb the flavorful chicken stock, lime, vegetables, and pan juices.
How Do I Make This Chicken Meatball Skillet Spicier?
The red pepper flakes add a little heat to the chicken meatballs.
If you like spicy food, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add an extra pinch to the finished skillet.
You can also serve the dish with additional red pepper flakes at the table.
What Should I Serve With Chicken Meatballs and Orzo?
This is a complete one-pan meal, so you don’t need much on the side.
If you want to add something, a simple green salad or roasted vegetables would pair nicely with the chicken and orzo.
Crusty bread is also a good option if you want something to soak up the creamy orzo.
Other Trader Joe’s Quick Dinner Recipes You May Like
More Orzo and Easy Pasta Recipes You May Enjoy
- Easy Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
- Shrimp and Crab Pasta in White Wine Sauce
- Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe