Description
This Greek Chicken Orzo Bake is a flavorful and wholesome one-pan meal, combining tender chicken pieces, orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese. Baked to perfection with aromatic oregano and lemon zest, it offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Cheese and Garnish
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: extra feta and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. Season with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add the uncooked orzo pasta, low-sodium chicken broth, halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add Chicken and Mix: Add the browned chicken pieces to the mixture in the baking dish and stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the chicken broth liquid.
- Add Feta and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil. Stir the mixture gently, then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes to slightly melt the feta cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. Add extra feta and parsley if desired. Serve the Greek Chicken Orzo Bake warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and oregano for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Brown rice or quinoa can be substituted for orzo, but adjust cooking times and liquid quantities accordingly to ensure proper cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish better.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish for 1–2 minutes after adding the feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
