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Chicken Meatballs with Peppers and Orzo

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One Pot/One Pan
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This one-pan meal is packed with flavor and comes together easily for a weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken meatballs are cooked with sweet bell peppers and tender orzo in a savory broth. It’s comforting, hearty, and balanced—all in one dish!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

  • 1 egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Peppers and Orzo:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme

  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  • Make the meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).

  • Cook the meatballs: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

  • Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the onion and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

  • Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, thyme, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

 

  • Finish the dish: Return the meatballs to the skillet and let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can swap ground chicken with ground turkey if preferred.

  • Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.

  • Make it spicy by increasing the red pepper flakes.

Find it online: https://quickbiteskitchen.com/chicken-meatballs-with-peppers-and-orzo/