Print

Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

This Greek Chicken Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes baked to perfection with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Infused with lemon juice and oregano, this hearty casserole is perfect for a wholesome family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 3 cups cooked), diced
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Orzo Bake

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 16 oz uncooked orzo pasta
  • 3 cups baby spinach (about 3 handfuls)
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Cook Chicken: If using raw chicken, slice breasts in half lengthwise, season with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken about 4 minutes per side until fully cooked, then let cool slightly and dice into bite-sized pieces. Skip this step if using pre-cooked chicken.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, mix together chicken broth, heavy cream, uncooked orzo, baby spinach, halved tomatoes, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, lemon juice, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste until everything is well incorporated.
  4. Add Chicken: Fold the diced chicken into the orzo mixture ensuring an even distribution, then spread the mixture out in an even layer in the casserole dish.
  5. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top of the dish for a golden cheesy crust when baked.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Gently stir before serving to combine.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with crumbled feta cheese or chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and a bright finish.

Notes

  • You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time; just add it directly to the casserole.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Make sure to stir gently after resting to avoid breaking up the chicken pieces too much.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Keywords: Greek chicken orzo bake, baked orzo casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, Greek casserole recipe, one dish chicken dinner

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/greek-chicken-orzo-bake-recipe/