Greek Chicken Meatballs in Lemon Cream Sauce

Noah and I have been doing a lot of international cooking. I am teaching him to cook the way I like to cook. We’ve done American, Spanish, Mediterranean and now Greek. This time we made some Greek chicken meatballs with a lemon cream sauce, served over orzo. We also made some marinated vegetable skewers to go with it, along with some pita bread and hummus. It looks so Greek to me.

Part of what I am teaching Noah as well, is to get your mis en place ready. Then we start with what takes the most time to make and make everything else. It’s still a work in progress.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Cream Sauce

The Meatballs

1 1/2 lbs ground chicken

1 TBSP garlic

1 TBSP lemon zest

3/4 cup panko crumbs

1 TBSP paprika

1/3 cup dried onions

1 egg

1 1/2 TBSP fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried

1 1/2 TBSP fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried

salt & pepper to taste

1 TBSP chopped parsley

1 TBSP lemon verbena, optional

Mix everything together and make the meatballs. I like making smaller meatballs because they tend to cook more evenly and are easier to eat.

Get a large pot or skillet very hot, and add olive oil and butter, then carefully place the meatballs in the oil and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until browned. Cook the meatballs in batches and do not over crowd them.

Remove the meatballs from the heat when they are done and set aside to keep warm.

The Sauce

3 TBSP butter

1 TBSP garlic

1 TBSP flour

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup green olives, or mixed olives, sliced

2 tsp lemon zest

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 TBSP oregano

1 TBSP thyme

2 egg yolks

salt & pepper to taste

lemon verbena, optional

Mix the chicken broth, garlic and lemon juice together. Add to you skillet. Whisk in the flour until it is fully incorporated into the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook, for about 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the olives, seasonings and butter and mix thoroughly. Add the egg yolks and stir constantly until it is all fully mixed in. If you do not stir constantly the eggs they will scramble. We do not want scrambled eggs in the sauce.

Re-add the meatballs and some of fresh herbs and cook just long enough to heat them up.

Spoon up the sauce and meatballs over the orzo and top with more of the fresh herbs. Bon Appetite!

Noah ate every bit and loved every bite. You will too. Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.