Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Orzo Bake is a comforting and creamy one-dish meal packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes. It’s an easy recipe that comes together quickly and bakes into a cheesy, flavorful casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 1 1/4 lbs, about 3 cups cooked chopped chicken)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 12-16 oz orzo (depending on brand; Dellalo = 16 oz, Barilla = 12 oz)
• 3 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves (2-3 oz, coarsely chopped)
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2/3 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated or shredded)
• 5 medium garlic cloves (minced, or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed from 1/2 lemon)
• 1 tsp fine sea salt (plus more to season chicken)
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (plus more to season chicken)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2. Step 2: Prepare the chicken by cutting breasts in half lengthwise if not using pre-cooked chicken. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken for about 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from heat, let cool for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: In the prepared casserole dish, combine chicken stock, heavy cream, orzo, cooked chicken, chopped spinach, tomatoes, half of the mozzarella, half of the parmesan, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well to mix everything evenly and smooth the top into a flat layer.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to thicken and set. Gently stir before serving and enjoy your creamy chicken orzo bake.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap baby spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green twist.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture before baking for a subtle spicy kick.
• Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• If you prefer, substitute grape tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for an intense burst of flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or warm in a covered baking dish at 325°F until heated through. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream when reheating to keep the casserole creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used; they will add a slightly richer flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly when sautéing.

Do I need to precook the orzo before baking?

No, the orzo cooks in the casserole as it bakes in the chicken stock and cream. Just be sure to bake long enough for the orzo to become tender.

Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 133 reviews

This comforting Chicken Orzo Bake is a creamy, cheesy casserole combining tender chicken breasts, baby spinach, juicy tomatoes, and orzo pasta baked to perfection. Enriched with garlic, parmesan, and mozzarella, this hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Preparation

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 1 1/4 lbs, about 3 cups cooked chopped chicken)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to season chicken (about 1 tsp)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to season chicken (about 1 tsp)

Liquid Base

• 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Pasta and Vegetables

• 12–16 oz orzo pasta (quantity depends on brand – Dellalo = 16 oz, Barilla = 12 oz)
• 3 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves (2–3 oz, coarsely chopped)
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes

Cheeses and Seasonings

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated or shredded, divided
• 5 medium garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick spray or greasing it with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prep Chicken: If not using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise, season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté chicken breasts about 4 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet, let cool for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Assemble Casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, combine chicken stock, heavy cream, orzo pasta, cooked diced chicken, chopped spinach, tomatoes, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly until combined, then smooth the top into an even layer.
4. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole surface. Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Rest and Serve: After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to thicken up. Stir gently to combine the ingredients before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken orzo bake!

Notes

• Orzo quantity varies by brand; adjust according to package recommendations and desired consistency.
• Resting the casserole allows the dish to thicken and flavors to meld better.
• Substitute cherry or grape tomatoes with diced fresh tomatoes if unavailable.
• For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the bake will be less creamy.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Keywords: Chicken orzo bake, creamy chicken casserole, baked orzo recipe, cheesy chicken pasta bake, easy family dinner