Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil and additional rosemary for garnish
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they burst and release juices.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to toast the pasta lightly.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until orzo is tender and absorbs the flavors.
- Incorporate the baked chicken meatballs into the skillet and cook together for an additional 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
- Use fresh rosemary for the most vibrant flavor; dried can be used if chopped finely.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy variation if desired.
- Stir in a splash of cream or shredded mozzarella before serving for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake and Sauté
- Cuisine: Homestyle
- Diet: Easy Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg