Juicy Chicken Meatballs with Peppers & Orzo
Enjoy tender chicken meatballs simmered with peppers and orzo, seasoned perfectly with garlic and onion powders and Parmesan for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 cups sliced peppers
- 1/4 cup capers (optional)
- one 14-ounce can plain tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Combine ground chicken, egg, panko, Parmesan, and the seasoning blend (garlic powder, onion powder, salt). Mix gently and roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides until golden. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced peppers to the same skillet (add more oil if needed). Sauté for 5-10 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Stir in the tomato sauce and capers. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Toss the cooked orzo with a little butter or a touch of cream until creamy. Season with additional salt and Parmesan to taste.
Notes
- Use a mix of bell pepper colors for visual appeal and varied sweetness.
- Don't overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- For extra creamy orzo, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or butter at the end. Allergens: Wheat, Eggs. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- Don't overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- For extra creamy orzo, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or butter at the end. Allergens: Wheat, Eggs. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.