Name: Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (sliced); 1/2 cup baby spinach (chopped); zest and juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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If you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean sunshine, this Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe will light up your dinner table. Imagine juicy chicken mingling with tangy feta, olives, and bright lemon, all snuggled into perfectly tender orzo pasta. This one-pan wonder wraps all the classic Greek flavors you love into a comforting, cheesy casserole everyone will swoon over. Bonus: It’s simple enough for a busy Tuesday, but gorgeous enough for a gathering with friends.

Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element of this Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe brings serious magic to each bite! The ingredients are humble but essential, combining color, taste, and texture for that authentic Mediterranean vibe—the orzo makes it heartwarming, while the feta, lemon, and herbs lift everything up.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces): Chicken is the protein-packed hero, soaking up all those mouthwatering Greek flavors.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds luscious richness and helps sauté the veggies, as well as brown the chicken.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Earthy and aromatic, it’s the Greek herb you simply can’t skip.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and enhances every flavor in the dish.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle warmth and a little bite.
Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Provides mellow sweetness that melts into the sauce.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the orzo bake with irresistible depth and aroma.
Orzo pasta (1 cup, uncooked): Little pasta grains that drink up all the juices and get perfectly tender in the oven.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, with juice): Bring tang and a juicy base for the sauce.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory flavor while keeping everything moist as it bakes.
Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Salty, creamy, and totally transformative—classic Greek in every crumble.
Kalamata olives (1/4 cup, sliced): Bursts of briny flavor that dial up the Mediterranean flair.
Baby spinach (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of color that feels so wholesome.
Lemon (zest and juice of 1): Zingy brightness cuts through the richness and brings everything to life.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A final sprinkle of green for freshness and visual appeal.

How to Make Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces all over with oregano, salt, and pepper, and then add them to the skillet. Let them sizzle for about 4–5 minutes until lightly browned—it’s totally okay if they aren’t cooked through yet, because they’ll finish in the oven. Once browned, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to your skillet, then toss in the diced onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and sweet smelling. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, being careful not to let it burn. The scent will be incredible at this point!

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Sprinkle the uncooked orzo into the skillet and stir it around for a minute so it picks up those garlicky, oniony flavors and begins toasting to a pale golden color. Toasting the orzo gives this Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe an unbelievable nutty depth.

Step 4: Simmer and Assemble

Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), chicken broth, plus the zest and juice of your lemon. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer, then return your browned chicken to the skillet along with the chopped spinach and sliced olives. Give it all a gentle stir to make sure everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Bake to Perfect Tenderness

Sprinkle the crumbled feta generously over the top. Cover the skillet with foil (or a snug lid) and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the orzo is perfectly tender and the chicken is cooked through. Let it rest out of the oven, uncovered, for about five minutes so the flavors can settle. Just before serving, scatter with plenty of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

Garnishes

This dish absolutely shines with a handful of fresh parsley right before serving. For even more Greek flair, you can also add extra crumbled feta, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a few extra lemon wedges on the side. These touches not only dial up the flavor, but also make your Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe look inviting and festive.

Side Dishes

While this meal truly stands on its own, you can never go wrong pairing it with a crisp Greek salad or some warm, crusty bread to mop up all those luscious tomato juices. Roasted vegetables or a platter of marinated chickpeas on the side will complement the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try baking and serving the Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for a dinner party. Leftovers make a fab lunch, too—just tuck a scoop into a pita with extra greens or enjoy cold as a pasta salad the next day. Presentation is all about sharing the joy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe will keep beautifully! Just transfer cooled portions to airtight containers and refrigerate—they’ll be fresh for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen as they rest, making your lunch or next-day dinner even more delicious.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish if you like to plan ahead. Spoon cooled bake into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture—this helps keep the orzo from getting too mushy.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until steaming hot, or microwave individual portions. If it looks a little dry after chilling, just add a splash of chicken broth or water before heating to revive all that saucy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat orzo for this Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo is a fantastic, wholesome swap that retains its texture in this recipe. You might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time and a splash more broth, as whole wheat pasta absorbs a little more liquid.

What other vegetables could I add to the bake?

This recipe is super flexible! Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for even more color and flavor. Chopped zucchini or eggplant also work beautifully and soak up all those yummy sauces.

Can I make Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold start. It makes entertaining or meal prepping a breeze!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so this bake isn’t gluten-free as written. However, you can use gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta shapes, adjusting the cooking time as needed, for a delicious alternative everyone can enjoy.

What’s the best way to get that classic golden top?

If you like a bubbly, golden crust, remove the foil during the last five minutes of baking and switch on your broiler. Keep a close eye so the feta and pasta get a kiss of color—just a couple of minutes will do the trick!

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a warm, flavorful hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this dish brings everyone to the table with big smiles. Give it a try, and let its delicious, sun-drenched flavors transport you to the Mediterranean. Opa!

Greek Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Greek Chicken Orzo Bake is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese in a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Orzo Mixture:

1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
1/2 cup baby spinach (chopped)
zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Chicken: Season and cook chicken in olive oil until browned. Set aside.
Sauté Onions: Sauté onions, then add garlic and orzo. Stir in tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to the pan, add spinach, olives, and feta. Bake covered.
Finish and Serve: Rest dish, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.