Cranberry & Goat Cheese Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Orzo

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, tangy cranberries and creamy goat cheese nestled inside tender, juicy chicken meatballs. Pair that with a bright and flavorful lemon garlic orzo, and you have a meal that feels elegant yet effortless. This Cranberry & Goat Cheese Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Orzo recipe is a perfect balance of comforting and refreshing flavors, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion – The sweetness of dried cranberries, the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, and the juicy chicken create an irresistible bite.
• Perfectly Paired – The zesty, garlicky orzo complements the meatballs beautifully, making every bite refreshing and satisfying.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy nights.
• Versatile & Customizable – Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

What Does This Dish Taste Like?

These chicken meatballs are incredibly tender and juicy, with a delightful contrast between the savory chicken, the slightly tart cranberries, and the creamy, slightly tangy goat cheese. The crispy golden edges add a lovely texture, while the herbs and Dijon mustard bring depth of flavor.

The lemon garlic orzo is bright, zesty, and buttery, with just the right amount of cheesiness from the Parmesan. It acts as the perfect base for the flavorful meatballs, tying everything together into one delicious dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For the Lemon Garlic Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Essential Tools for This Recipe

• Baking sheet – For baking the meatballs to golden perfection.
• Mixing bowls – To combine all the meatball ingredients.
• Large skillet – For making the lemon garlic orzo.
• Zester & juicer – To get fresh lemon zest and juice.
• Parchment paper – To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Swap the ground chicken for ground turkey if you prefer a different protein.
• Use feta cheese instead of goat cheese for a saltier, tangier flavor.
• Try panko breadcrumbs for an extra light and crispy texture.
• Add spinach to the orzo for extra greens and nutrients.
• Drizzle honey over the finished dish for a sweet-savory contrast.

How to Make Cranberry & Goat Cheese Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Orzo

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the mixture, as that can make the meatballs tough.

Step 3: Form & Bake the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil to help them get golden and crispy. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)).

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

While the meatballs are baking, cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the cooked orzo, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve the warm meatballs over the lemon garlic orzo. Garnish with extra goat cheese and parsley, if desired. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Cranberry & Goat Cheese Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Orzo

What to Serve with This Dish

• A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
• Crusty bread for scooping up that garlicky lemon butter sauce
• A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

• Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients—this keeps them light and tender.
• Use a cookie scoop to make even-sized meatballs for uniform cooking.
• Chop cranberries finely so they mix well throughout the meatballs.
• Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juiciness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze the meatballs (cooked or uncooked) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and shape the meatballs ahead of time, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I use instead of orzo?
You can swap orzo for couscous, quinoa, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a different twist.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and substitute gluten-free pasta for the orzo.

Can I cook the meatballs in a skillet instead of baking?
Yes! Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

• Feta Cranberry Barley Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Ricotta and Cranberry Orzo with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Parmesan Spinach Chickpeas – A Quick, Flavorful, and Nutritious Dish

If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! → Pinterest: EMMARECIPES18

Enjoy and happy cooking! 🍽️✨

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