Spiced Chicken Meatballs with Turmeric-Chili Cream & Orzo

These Spiced Chicken Meatballs with Turmeric-Chili Cream & Orzo are pure comfort, rich in flavor, and perfect for those cozy fall vibes! The best part? It comes together in just 45 minutes. Made with fresh, homemade ingredients and tossed in my special velvety turmeric-chili cream, it has just the right amount of spice to warm you up without overpowering the dish. This festive dish can be served any time of the year. It has a great mix of Mediterranean and Asian Fusion.

this RECIPE!

This is one of my favorite fall recipes, and it’s been a regular in our home ever since I first made it!

It’s the ultimate comfort food juicy, perfectly baked chicken meatballs nestled in a buttery, creamy spinach sauce with a touch of Chardonnay, all served over tender orzo. I usually cook the orzo separately, but you can absolutely make it a one-pot dish if you prefer!

I combined all my favorite flavors into one dish, and they came together beautifully. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly day cozy, elegant, and satisfying. I served it when a few friends came over, and it was the talk of the night! Everyone kept saying that with every bite, they discovered a new layer of flavor. It’s uniquely delicious, so comforting, and perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a quick weeknight meal.

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IN THIS POST: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT SPICED CHICKEN MEATBALLS WITH TURMERIC-CHILI CREAM & ORZO

• HOW TO KEEP CHICKEN MEATBALLS MOIST AFTER BAKING
• 🍴INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THESE SPICED CHICKEN MEATBALLS WITH TURMERIC-CHILI CREAM & ORZO
• STEPS TO MAKE THESE SPICED CHICKEN MEATBALLS WITH TURMERIC-CHILI CREAM & ORZO!
• PREFER TO WATCH STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE VIDEO INSTEAD OF READING?
• JUMP TO RECIPE CARD

HOW TO KEEP CHICKEN MEATBALLS MOIST AFTER BAKING

Based on my experience, I ensure that I don’t overbake the chicken meatballs. I bake them just until they’re cooked through and slightly browned, usually around 30 minutes. I also do a quick taste test to check for doneness. Once they’re ready, I add them directly to the sauce so they absorb even more flavor. To keep them juicy, I mix in grated onions (with all their juices) and bind everything together with breadcrumbs. That really helps lock in the moisture.

🍴INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THESE SPICED CHICKEN MEATBALLS WITH TURMERIC-CHILI CREAM & ORZO

Here is a preview of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe! You can find these at your local grocery store, or you can shop online. (Detailed ingredients in Recipe Card down below) ⬇️

Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken
• Black Pepper
• Paprika
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• Garlic Powder
• Italian Seasoning
• Italian Bread Crumbs
• Onion
• Fresh Dill Weed
• Red Chili Pepper Flakes (optional)

Spinach Cream Sauce

• Garlic Cloves
• Mushrooms
• Baby Spinach
• Buttery Chardonnay Wine
• Chicken Bouillon
• Turmeric
• Thyme
• All-purpose Flour
• Unsalted Butter
• Whole Milk – room temperature
• Salt
• Water
• Spicy Garlic Chili Sauce (used Lee Kum Kee Chili Crisp Oil in this recipe)

Orzo

• Orzo
• Water
• Salt
• Olive Oil

STEPS TO MAKE THESE SPICED CHICKEN MEATBALLS WITH TURMERIC-CHILI CREAM & ORZO!

Step 1: Cook the Orzo – In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the orzo and sauté until it turns lightly golden brown. Pour in water (or broth) and salt, then stir to combine. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
(Do not remove the lid while cooking.)

Step 2: Make the Meatballs – In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, chopped dill, seasonings, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined. Form into 1½-inch-wide meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet lightly brushed with oil.
Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through. (Be careful not to overcook.)

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce – In a saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat, add in mushrooms, and saute for a few minutes until your mushrooms are tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden. Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the milk, Chardonnay, and chicken broth. Add seasonings, herbs, and chili sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for about a minute.

Step 4: Combine and Serve – Once the meatballs are cooked, add the spinach to the sauce and cook over low heat for 1–2 minutes, until just wilted. Turn off the fire and gently add the meatballs to the sauce, and coat them evenly.
Serve warm over a bed of orzo and drizzle with a bit more chili sauce and enjoy!

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PREFER TO WATCH STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE VIDEO INSTEAD OF READING?

Have any questions about this recipe, or have you tried making our recipe yet? If so, we would LOVE to hear how it turned out! You can post, tag, rate, and comment down below and on Instagram! 👇 Thank you in advance! 

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RECIPE CARD

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