Best 2 Greek Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipes

If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting Greek dish, look no further than Greek chicken orzo casserole. This delectable dish combines tender chicken, plump orzo pasta, a creamy sauce, and an array of aromatic spices to create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Packed with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, Greek chicken orzo casserole is a nutritionally balanced meal that is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or special occasions. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process of creating this mouthwatering dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

GREEK LEMON CHICKEN AND ORZO CASSEROLE

Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo Casserole image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

3 cups chicken stock
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 sprigs fresh dill, chopped
2 lemons, zested and juiced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups orzo
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
4 small to medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 lemon, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
For the orzo: Whisk together the stock, butter, salt, cornstarch, dill, lemon zest and juice and garlic in a bowl. Mix in the orzo.
For the chicken: In a separate bowl, mix together the coriander, salt and pepper. Coat the chicken all over with the seasoning.
Pour the stock/orzo mixture into a glass 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add the chicken breasts, laying them at an angle so all but the tops of the breasts are submerged. Shingle the lemon slices in between the chicken breasts.
Bake, uncovered, until the chicken registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, 35 to 40 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes. Top with the chopped parsley before serving.

GREEK CHICKEN ORZO CASSEROLE

Greek Chicken Orzo Casserole image

This Greek-inspired dish, featuring chicken, spinach, oregano, feta cheese crumbles and fresh lemon, proves that casseroles can be lighter and brighter without sacrificing taste.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 package (16 oz) uncooked orzo pasta
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic diced tomatoes, drained
1 bag (5 oz) baby spinach
8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
1/2 cup Progresso™ reduced sodium chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1 lb chicken tenders, cut in 1-inch pieces (about 11 tenders)
1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Steps:

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
Meanwhile, in large bowl, mix tomatoes, spinach, about half of the cheese, the olive oil and oregano; stir in cooked pasta. Spoon mixture into baking dish. Drizzle broth over pasta mixture. In same bowl, mix chicken and seasoning until well coated. Place chicken pieces over orzo mixture; cover with foil.
Bake 45 minutes; remove foil, top with remaining cheese. Bake 4 to 5 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). Top with grated lemon peel and green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440, Carbohydrate 52 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 770 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

Mise en place: Before starting, ensure all ingredients are measured and prepped, and cookware and utensils are ready. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. This will greatly enhance the flavor of your dish.
Seasoning: Don't be afraid to season your dish generously. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Don't Overcook: Orzo cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. It should be al dente, with a slight bite to it.
Use a Good Casserole Dish: Choose a casserole dish that is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably. A 9x13 inch dish is typically a good size.
Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a more even distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano can add a burst of flavor and freshness to the casserole.
Let it Rest: Before serving, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and settle, resulting in a more cohesive dish.

Conclusion:

The Greek Chicken Orzo Casserole is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines the Mediterranean flavors of Greece with the convenience of a one-pot meal. With its tender chicken, flavorful orzo, creamy sauce, and cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special dish to serve at a gathering, this casserole fits the bill. It's easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a delicious and satisfying Greek-inspired meal. Kali Orexi!