Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bake

This Mediterranean Greek Chicken Casserole transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort. The combination of tender orzo pasta, succulent shredded chicken, and classic Greek flavors creates a comforting meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

I first created this casserole when hosting my Greek friend for dinner. She closed her eyes with the first bite and said it reminded her of summers in Santorini. Now it's my go-to dish whenever I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Orzo pasta forms the hearty base that absorbs all the delicious flavors while cooking
• Shredded chicken provides lean protein and makes this a complete meal
• Red onion adds a subtle sweetness and beautiful color contrast
• Garlic cloves create an aromatic foundation essential for authentic Mediterranean flavor
• Sundried tomatoes bring intense umami and slight chewiness that elevates the entire dish
• Baby spinach incorporates nutrition and vibrant color that wilts perfectly during baking
• Feta cheese delivers that signature tangy brininess that defines Greek cuisine
• Kalamata olives optional but highly recommended for authentic Mediterranean taste
• Dried oregano is the quintessential Greek herb that ties all flavors together
• Fresh lemon juice and zest brightens the entire dish with citrus notes
• Chicken broth infuses the orzo with flavor as it cooks

How To Make Greek Chicken Casserole

Prep the base

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and placing your diced red onion in a 9x13 baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for just 5 minutes. This brief roasting softens the onion and releases its natural sweetness without requiring a separate pan for sautéing.

Combine ingredients

Remove the dish from the oven and add uncooked orzo pasta minced garlic sundried tomatoes chopped spinach olives if using dried oregano olive oil and salt. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. The heat from the dish will begin to wake up the garlic and oregano releasing their aromatic oils.

Add proteins and brightness

Fold in your shredded chicken crumbled feta cheese fresh lemon juice and zest. The lemon instantly brightens the mixture while the feta begins to slightly soften around the edges creating pockets of creamy saltiness throughout the casserole.

Add liquid and bake

Pour chicken broth over the mixture ensuring the orzo is mostly submerged. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This initial covered baking allows the orzo to begin absorbing the flavorful liquid without drying out the top.

Finish uncovered

Remove the foil stir everything well and return to the oven uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. This final uncovered bake allows excess moisture to evaporate leaving you with perfectly tender orzo while creating delicious crispy edges around the perimeter of the dish.

Rest and serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This critical resting period allows the remaining liquid to be fully absorbed and flavors to settle. Garnish with additional feta and fresh parsley for a professional finishing touch.

My absolute favorite part of this dish is how the sundried tomatoes plump up during baking absorbing some of the broth while simultaneously releasing their intense flavor throughout the casserole. My mother who claims to dislike sundried tomatoes always picks them out first in this dish.

Make It Your Own

This Greek chicken casserole welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. For a vegetarian version replace the chicken with 2 cans of drained chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The protein content remains high while the Mediterranean flavors shine even brighter against the nutty backdrop of chickpeas.

If you're watching carbs consider swapping half the orzo for riced cauliflower. Add the cauliflower during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent it from becoming too soft. This modification reduces the carbohydrate content while maintaining the satisfying texture and volume of the original recipe.

Storage and Reheating

The flavors in this casserole actually improve overnight as the ingredients have time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best reheating results add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness then cover and microwave until just heated through about 2 minutes for a single serving.

For freezing portion the cooled casserole into individual servings in freezer safe containers. This allows for quick single serving meals without defrosting the entire batch. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture results.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile casserole can stand alone as a complete meal but pairs beautifully with simple sides for a more elaborate dinner. A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers tomatoes and a simple vinaigrette offers textural contrast to the soft hearty casserole. Warm pita bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano provides the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last morsel from your plate.

For a truly authentic Greek experience serve with a side of tzatziki sauce. The cool cucumber yogurt combination cuts through the richness of the casserole while complementing the Mediterranean flavor profile. Just a small dollop alongside each portion elevates the entire dining experience.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken will save time and add flavor. Simply shred the meat and add it as directed in the recipe. This is a great shortcut for busy weeknights.

→ What can I substitute for orzo if I can't find it?

If orzo isn't available, you can substitute small pasta shapes like small shells, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti. Rice can also work, though you may need to adjust cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

To make this vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables or include chickpeas or white beans for protein. The feta cheese still provides plenty of Mediterranean flavor.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare all ingredients up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth to account for the pasta absorbing some liquid, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

→ What sides pair well with this Greek chicken bake?

This is essentially a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple Greek salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A side of tzatziki sauce also makes a delicious accompaniment.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into airtight containers, cool completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of broth when reheating to maintain moisture.