Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Greek Chicken Orzo Bake is a comforting, flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, tangy feta, and wholesome orzo pasta. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, offering a delightful blend of Mediterranean tastes in every bite.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces orzo, cooked and drained
• 2 (14.5 ounces) cans diced tomatoes, drained
• 12 ounces crumbled feta cheese, divided
• 4-5 ounces spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 teaspoons Greek seasoning (see notes for homemade option)
• Zest from 1 lemon, about 1 tablespoon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly coat a large casserole dish with cooking oil spray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, drained diced tomatoes, 6 ounces of feta cheese, spinach, dried oregano, and lemon juice. Stir well to mix in the flavors. Pour the chicken broth into this orzo mixture and stir again.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, toss the diced chicken pieces with the Greek seasoning and olive oil until they are evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Spread the seasoned chicken over the orzo mixture in the casserole dish without stirring it in. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
5. Step 5: Remove the foil, sprinkle the lemon zest and the remaining 6 ounces of feta cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the feta is lightly baked.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, basil, oregano, or dill before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh spinach or kale for a different texture and flavor.
• Substitute Greek seasoning with a mixture of dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and paprika if you don’t have a pre-made blend.
• For a creamier bake, stir in a few tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt before adding the chicken.
• Adding olives or artichoke hearts can enhance the Mediterranean profile of the dish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating can help keep the orzo moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous or small shells work well, but orzo’s texture complements the dish best.

Is it necessary to drain the diced tomatoes?

Draining the tomatoes prevents the bake from becoming too watery, ensuring a nice texture and concentrated flavor.

Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 97 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Greek Chicken Orzo Bake featuring tender chicken, creamy feta, spinach, and tangy tomatoes all baked together with aromatic lemon and oregano for a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 16 ounces orzo, cooked and drained
• 2 (14.5 ounces) cans diced tomatoes, drained
• 12 ounces crumbled feta cheese, divided
• 4–5 ounces spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 teaspoons Greek seasoning (see notes for homemade option)
• 1 zest from 1 lemon, about 1 tablespoon

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a large casserole dish with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Orzo Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, drained diced tomatoes, 6 oz of crumbled feta cheese, spinach, dried oregano, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until well mixed. Pour in the chicken broth and gently combine to moisten the mixture.
3. Season Chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the diced chicken pieces with the Greek seasoning and olive oil until the chicken is evenly coated in the mixture.
4. Assemble Casserole: Spread the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the orzo mixture in the casserole dish. Do not stir the chicken into the orzo layer to allow for even baking and separation.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This allows the chicken to cook fully and flavors to meld together.
6. Finish Baking: After 1 hour, remove the cover and sprinkle the lemon zest and the remaining 6 oz crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the feta is slightly golden and baked.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs of your choice such as chopped parsley, basil, oregano, or dill for added freshness and aroma.

Notes

• For Greek seasoning, you can use a mix of dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, marjoram, salt, and black pepper.
• Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the bake.
• Spinach can be fresh or frozen; if using frozen, thaw and drain any excess water before adding.
• Use a good quality feta cheese for best flavor, preferably a block feta crumbled fresh.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Keywords: Greek chicken orzo bake, baked orzo, Greek chicken casserole, feta cheese bake, Mediterranean chicken dish