Best 10 Zesty Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Welcome to the culinary realm of flavors, where taste buds are tantalized and appetites are satisfied! In this article, we embark on a journey to discover the ultimate recipe for a dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide: the zesty chicken orzo casserole. This delectable dish, a symphony of flavors and textures, combines tender chicken, succulent orzo pasta, a vibrant array of vegetables, and a tantalizing sauce that dances on your palate. Get ready to explore a world of culinary delights as we unlock the secrets to crafting a zesty chicken orzo casserole that will become a family favorite and a highlight on your dinner table.

Here are our top 10 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

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.

ZESTY CHICKEN & ORZO SKILLET RECIPE - (4.5/5)



Zesty Chicken & Orzo Skillet Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by Bettybug

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)
1/2 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing, divided
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen artichoke hearts
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
1-1/2 cups water
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

Steps:

  • COOK chicken in 2 Tbsp. dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 4 min. on each side or until each is browned on both sides. Remove from skillet; set aside. ADD remaining dressing and all remaining ingredients except basil to skillet; mix well. Bring to boil on medium heat. TOP with chicken; cover. Simmer on medium-low heat 9 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF), stirring after 5 min. REMOVE from heat; let stand 5 min.

SPICY CHICKEN AND ORZO SKILLET



Spicy Chicken and Orzo Skillet image

Ground cumin, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes fabulously flavor every bite of this zesty chicken and pasta supper.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin bite-size strips
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 cup ready-to-eat baby-cut carrots, quartered lengthwise
1 small onion, cut into thin wedges
3/4 cup uncooked rosamarina or orzo pasta (5 1/2 oz)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup water
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ chickpeas or garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed
1 3/4 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32 oz carton)
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, cut into thin strips

Steps:

  • In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken and garlic; cook and stir 3 minutes. Add carrots and onion; cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring once.
  • Stir in all remaining ingredients except spinach. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender.
  • Stir in spinach; cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer or until spinach is wilted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480, Carbohydrate 52 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 8 g, Protein 42 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving (1 1/2 Cups), Sodium 530 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g

CHICKEN AND ORZO SKILLET



Chicken and Orzo Skillet image

Here's a perfect one-skillet supper that's colorful, healthy, filling and definitely special! Our taste testers loved the blend of spices, the touch of heat and the sophisticated flavor. -Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
2 teaspoons salt-free garlic seasoning blend
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Sprinkle chicken with garlic seasoning blend. In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, saute chicken and onion in oil until chicken is no longer pink, 5-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer., Stir in the tomatoes, spinach, broth, orzo, Italian seasoning and, if desired, pepper flakes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, 15-20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 339 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 384mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 32g protein. Diabetic exchanges

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

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

ZESTY CHICKEN WITH ORZO (FOR FREEZER MENUS)



Zesty Chicken With Orzo (For Freezer Menus) image

A recipe inspired by Betty Crocker, modified to be used by my friends and me in our once-a-month freezer meal prep. The ingredients are pre-assembled, frozen, then cooked fresh the night you want them. For the frozen vegetables, I find that a pre-made combination of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots works well, but any veggies that would cook in the same amount of time would work fine. Orzo is a fun pasta many people have never tried - it comes out very creamy in this recipe.

Provided by Troicook

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 chicken breast halves
1 lb frozen mixed vegetables
3 tablespoons zesty Italian dressing (I like Wishbone)
1 cup orzo pasta
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
16 ounces low sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
1/8 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Add chicken to a 1 qt freezer bag, vegetables and 3T dressing to a second qt bag, and pasta to a snack size bag. Squeeze out air, seal, and label with a Sharpie marker. Place in freezer.
  • Remove the bags from the freezer and defrost when you are ready to prepare the meal.
  • Heat oil in skillet over med-high. Cook chicken in oil, turning once, for about 10 minutes until brown on both sides. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  • Add broth and water to skillet; heat to boiling. Stir in pasta; heat to boiling. Cook uncovered about 9 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in vegetables and dressing.
  • Add chicken; sprinkle with pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken juices are no longer pink.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 433.6, Fat 15.1, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 46.4, Sodium 318.7, Carbohydrate 49.2, Fiber 5.9, Sugar 1.8, Protein 26.7

ZESTY CHICKEN ORZO CASSEROLE



Zesty Chicken Orzo Casserole image

Zesty seasoned chicken pieces are simmered in a chunky tomato sauce with chile peppers and orzo and topped with shredded Cheddar cheese for a quick and flavorful dinner.

Provided by Tyson Chicken

Categories     Tyson® Grilled & Ready®

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chile peppers, undrained
1 cup dried orzo
1 (22 ounce) package Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Frozen Southwestern Chicken Breast Strips, thawed and cut into bite-size pieces
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large saucepan combine broth, undrained tomatoes and orzo. Bring to boiling. Stir in Grilled & Ready® Southwestern Chicken Strips. Transfer mixture to a 2-quart baking dish.
  • Bake, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes or until pasta is tender. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese during last 5 minutes of baking. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 319.2 calories, Carbohydrate 30.7 g, Cholesterol 85.7 mg, Fat 7.5 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 31 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 920.8 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

ZESTY CHICKEN ORZO CASSEROLE



Zesty Chicken Orzo Casserole image

Zesty seasoned chicken pieces are simmered in a chunky tomato sauce with chile peppers and orzo and topped with shredded Cheddar cheese for a quick and flavorful dinner.

Provided by Tyson Chicken

Categories     Tyson® Grilled & Ready®

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chile peppers, undrained
1 cup dried orzo
1 (22 ounce) package Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Frozen Southwestern Chicken Breast Strips, thawed and cut into bite-size pieces
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large saucepan combine broth, undrained tomatoes and orzo. Bring to boiling. Stir in Grilled & Ready® Southwestern Chicken Strips. Transfer mixture to a 2-quart baking dish.
  • Bake, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes or until pasta is tender. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese during last 5 minutes of baking. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 319.2 calories, Carbohydrate 30.7 g, Cholesterol 85.7 mg, Fat 7.5 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 31 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 920.8 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

ZESTY CHICKEN & ORZO SKILLET



Zesty Chicken & Orzo Skillet image

Ready for a new weeknight favorite? How about zesty chicken and orzo with artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes cooked lightning fast in a skillet?

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb.)
1/2 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing, divided
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen artichoke hearts
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
1-1/2 cups water
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

Steps:

  • Cook chicken in 2 Tbsp. dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 4 min. on each side or until each is browned on both sides. Remove from skillet; set aside.
  • Add remaining dressing and all remaining ingredients except basil to skillet; mix well. Bring to boil on medium heat.
  • Top with chicken; cover. Simmer on medium-low heat 9 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF), stirring after 5 min.
  • Remove from heat; let stand 5 min. Top with basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400, Fat 10 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 420 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 7 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 32 g

CHEESY CHICKEN & BROCCOLI ORZO



Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo image

Broccoli and rice casserole tops my family's comfort food list, but when we need something fast, this is the stuff. Chicken and veggie orzo cooked on the stovetop speeds everything up. -Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1-1/4 cups uncooked orzo pasta
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen broccoli with cheese sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat broccoli with cheese sauce according to package directions., In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add chicken, onion, salt and pepper; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and onion is tender. Drain orzo. Stir orzo and broccoli with cheese sauce into skillet; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 77mg cholesterol, Sodium 655mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: To save time and ensure you have all the ingredients ready, measure and prepare all ingredients before starting the cooking process.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. Try to use fresh herbs, vegetables, and chicken.
  • Cook the Chicken Thoroughly: To ensure the chicken is safe to eat, cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, cook it according to the package instructions and drain it immediately.
  • Season Well: Don't be afraid to season the dish with salt and pepper. Taste the dish throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Let the Casserole Rest: After baking the casserole, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme over the casserole for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Conclusion:

This Zesty Chicken Orzo Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight meal. It is packed with flavor from the chicken, vegetables, and herbs and the creamy sauce makes it extra comforting. The best part is that it can be easily customized to suit your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a quick and satisfying meal, give this casserole a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics