Description
This Greek Chicken Orzo Bake combines tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes in a rich, cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection. The dish is flavored with lemon juice and oregano for a bright, Mediterranean twist, making it a comforting yet vibrant meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts – about 3 cups cooked – diced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Main Dish
- 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 Garnish
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken: If using raw chicken, slice breasts in half lengthwise, season with salt and pepper, and heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for about 4 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Let cool slightly, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Skip if using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, mix together chicken broth, heavy cream, uncooked orzo, baby spinach, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until evenly combined.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the diced chicken, making sure everything is evenly coated and well mixed. Spread the mixture into an even layer in the casserole dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the sauce thicken and settle.
- Serve & Garnish: Before serving, gently stir the bake. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese or fresh chopped parsley if desired for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save time and simplify the recipe.
- Feel free to swap mozzarella for other melting cheeses if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a subtle spicy kick.
Keywords: Greek chicken orzo bake, baked orzo pasta, chicken casserole, Mediterranean chicken bake, spinach and tomato orzo