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Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 77 reviews

This Greek Chicken Orzo Bake is a comforting and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes, all baked together with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses for a hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts – about 3 cups cooked – diced
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 16 oz orzo pasta – uncooked
  • 3 cups baby spinach – about 3 handfuls
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes – halved
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – divided in half
  • ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese – divided in half
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper – to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prepare for baking.
  2. Cook Chicken: If using raw chicken, slice the breasts in half lengthwise, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then dice into bite-sized pieces. If you have pre-cooked chicken, you can skip this step.
  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. Stir everything until evenly combined.
  4. Add Chicken: Stir in the diced chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated with the other ingredients. Spread the mixture into an even layer in the casserole dish.
  5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top of the mixture for a cheesy crust.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Rest: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir gently before serving to combine the flavors.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with crumbled feta cheese or fresh parsley to add extra flavor and a fresh finishing touch.

Notes

  • You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time; just add it directly to the casserole mixture.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Ensure the orzo is fully cooked before serving; if not, bake a few minutes longer.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Add a squeeze of extra lemon juice just before serving for a brighter flavor.

Keywords: Greek chicken bake, orzo casserole, one-pan meal, Mediterranean chicken recipe, cheesy orzo bake

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