If you are on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful dinner that brings together the best of Mediterranean tastes, the Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender chicken, tangy feta, wholesome orzo pasta, and vibrant spinach in one satisfying casserole that’s packed with fresh flavors and a delightful hint of lemon. Perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers a deliciously cozy experience with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe uses a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. From the creamy feta to the aromatic oregano, every component is chosen to create a harmonious, Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Orzo pasta (16 ounces): The star grain that soaks up all the juicy flavors and creates a tender, pillow-like base.
- Diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each, drained): Adds brightness and subtle acidity for balance.
- Feta cheese (12 ounces, crumbled, divided): Creamy and salty, this cheese delivers signature Greek flavor and a rich texture.
- Fresh spinach (4-5 ounces): Introduces a fresh green element that melts into the bake perfectly.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings that unmistakable herbal note that ties the dish together.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon) and zest of 1 lemon: Brightens and lifts each bite with a fresh citrus punch.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Keeps the orzo moist and infuses savory depth.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into 1-inch pieces): The hearty protein that absorbs all the wonderful spices.
- Greek seasoning (3 teaspoons): A blend of aromatic spices that gives the chicken its authentic Mediterranean flavor; homemade options work beautifully here.
How to Make Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Combine
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing a large casserole dish lightly. This sets the stage for all the flavors to meld beautifully in one pan. In the prepared dish, mix the cooked and drained orzo, drained diced tomatoes, half of the crumbled feta, fresh spinach, oregano, and lemon juice. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the mixture to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Season Chicken
In a separate bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and Greek seasoning until well-coated. This step is key for infusing the chicken with vibrant Mediterranean spices that elevate the entire dish.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the orzo mixture in your casserole dish. Important: do not stir the layers together. Cover the dish tightly and bake it for one hour. The slow baking allows the chicken to cook gently while the orzo absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Step 4: Uncover and Finish
After the initial hour, uncover the bake and sprinkle the remaining feta cheese along with freshly grated lemon zest on top. Pop it back into the oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This final step creates a beautifully golden, slightly browned cheese topping, making the dish as visually inviting as it is tasty.
Step 5: Serve
Once done, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe is now ready to impress with its melty cheese, tender chicken, and flavorful orzo base.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, or dill add an extra layer of freshness and color. A little sprinkle on top just before serving makes each plate look vibrant and taste even more aromatic. These garnishes complement the tangy feta and lemon zest perfectly.
Side Dishes
This bake is wonderfully hearty on its own but pairing it with crisp Greek salad, pita bread, or roasted vegetables gives the meal extra balance. A light cucumber-yogurt tzatziki or lemony green beans also harmonize well with the strong Mediterranean flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve the Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe in individual ramekins topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Alternatively, spoon it onto a rustic wooden board alongside olives, sliced tomatoes, and warm bread for a laid-back, mezze-style spread everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making the next-day meal just as good, if not better!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date your containers for easy meal prep down the line.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the texture and flavors. Microwaving is faster but may make the orzo a little softer. Adding a splash of chicken broth when reheating helps keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe?
While feta is traditional and adds that signature tangy creaminess, you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta if desired. However, the flavor profile will shift slightly, so expect a milder taste.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add more veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. Including a can of chickpeas can also boost protein content.
What can I use instead of Greek seasoning?
If you don’t have Greek seasoning on hand, a mixture of dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cinnamon can mimic the flavors nicely.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything except for the final baking step and refrigerate the casserole covered for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Coating the chicken in olive oil and Greek seasoning helps lock in moisture, and baking the dish covered traps steam, which keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
The Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe is truly a gem that promises bold Mediterranean flavors with comforting ease. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish never fails to brighten the table and warm hearts. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek Chicken Orzo Bake is a hearty and flavorful casserole combining tender chicken pieces, tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, juicy diced tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. Seasoned with classic Greek herbs and lemon zest, this baked dish is perfect for a comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare yet impressive in taste.
Ingredients
Orzo Mixture
- 16 ounces orzo pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 4–5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 teaspoons Greek seasoning (see notes for homemade option)
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat and Combine: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish. In this dish, combine the cooked and drained orzo pasta, drained diced tomatoes, 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, fresh spinach, dried oregano, and lemon juice. Pour the chicken broth evenly over this mixture to add moisture.
- Season Chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the chicken breast pieces with the Greek seasoning and olive oil to ensure each piece is evenly coated with flavor.
- Assemble and Bake: Layer the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the orzo mixture in the casserole dish. Avoid stirring so that the layers remain distinct. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Uncover and Finish: After 1 hour, remove the foil, sprinkle the lemon zest and the remaining 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the feta slightly browns.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, oregano, or dill, then serve hot for a delicious Greek-inspired meal.
Notes
- For homemade Greek seasoning, combine dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- If preferred, use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
