Name: Greek Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 cups orzo, uncooked; 1 lb. cooked chicken, shredded (about 4 cups, roughly 3 chicken breasts or 6 chicken thighs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, packed, diced; 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled, plus more to serve; 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 5 cups chicken broth, or water; Fresh parsley, to serve

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean, the Greek Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender shredded chicken, delicate orzo pasta, tangy feta, and bright notes of lemon and sundried tomatoes into one satisfying, easy-to-make casserole. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with vibrant, comforting flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and items arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with light yellow orzo pasta, a white bowl with fresh green spinach leaves, a white bowl holding bright red sun-dried tomatoes, and a white bowl containing crumbly white cheese. A larger gray bowl holds shredded light beige chicken. On the surface near the bowls, there are three garlic cloves, a deep red onion, a whole bright yellow lemon, and a small white dish with pink salt and dried green herbs side by side. A large glass measuring cup filled with pale yellow liquid broth is also present. The setup is neat and colorful, showing all ingredients clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Greek Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe shines because of its straightforward, fresh ingredients, each contributing to a symphony of flavors and textures. From the nutty orzo that soaks up the rich broth to the salty burst of feta cheese, every element is essential to crafting this beloved dish.

Orzo (2 cups): The small pasta that cooks up tender and slightly creamy, perfect for a casserole base.
Cooked chicken, shredded (1 lb): Provides hearty protein and soaks up all those vibrant flavors.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
Red onion, diced (1): Brings a mild sweetness and crunch to the dish.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Infuses the casserole with a wonderful depth of savory aroma.
Sundried tomatoes, diced (1/2 cup): Adds a concentrated burst of tangy sweetness and color.
Baby spinach, roughly chopped (2 cups): Gives freshness and a pop of green, balancing richness.
Feta cheese, crumbled (1 cup plus extra): The star for that salty, creamy Greek flavor signature.
Kalamata olives, sliced (1/4 cup, optional): Offers briny notes that elevate the overall taste.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A classic herb that ties the Mediterranean flavors together.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other ingredients without overpowering.
Lemon, juiced and zested (1): Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
Chicken broth (5 cups): The cooking liquid that imparts savory depth and helps cook the orzo perfectly.
Fresh parsley, to serve: A finishing touch for color and clean herbal notes.

How to Make Greek Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s ready when you are. If you don’t already have cooked chicken on hand, bake your chicken breasts or thighs for about 25 minutes until they’re juicy and cooked through, then shred them with two forks for that perfect bite-sized texture.

Step 2: Begin Building Flavors with Onions

In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, toss the diced red onion with olive oil, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Pop this into the oven for about 5 minutes. This step softens the onions and deepens their sweetness, which will serve as a flavorful base layer in your casserole.

Step 3: Combine the Core Ingredients

Once your onions are ready, remove the dish from the oven and add the orzo, minced garlic, sundried tomatoes, chopped spinach, kalamata olives if you’re using them, oregano, more olive oil, and salt. Stir everything thoroughly to meld flavors before adding the chicken, feta, and lemon juice and zest. This mix packs a serious punch of Mediterranean charm.

Step 4: Add Broth and Bake

Pour in your chicken broth and stir gently to combine, making sure the orzo and ingredients are mostly covered by the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This allows the orzo to absorb the broth and cook evenly while all those ingredients mingle their flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and give your casserole a good stir to redistribute the ingredients and liquids. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, creating a delectably creamy texture.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This little pause helps everything settle, making it easier to serve up. Top with extra crumbled feta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that perfect final touch that screams “Greek feast.”

How to Serve Greek Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a mixed pasta casserole showing about three layers: a base of shredded light-colored chicken and cooked orzo pasta, scattered pieces of red roasted peppers, and a topping of crumbled white cheese and chopped green herbs, with a spoon partially inserted into the dish revealing soft, moist textures. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, and a small white bowl holding red roasted peppers is visible in the lower left corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional feta cheese right before serving adds a bright, fresh contrast to the warm, creamy casserole. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten each bite further.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a complete meal, but if you want to round it out, consider serving with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in olive oil and red wine vinegar, or some warm pita bread to soak up every last bit of flavor from the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more festive presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh dill or mint. You can also turn leftover casserole into stuffed bell peppers or lettuce wraps the next day for an exciting twist on this classic dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Greek Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it a delicious packed lunch or easy dinner option.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well too. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the casserole on the stovetop over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water helps restore moisture, keeping the orzo creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken in this Greek Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe?

Yes, you can. Just bake the chicken first in the oven until thoroughly cooked before shredding and adding it to the casserole. This ensures even cooking and perfect texture.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or chickpeas for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I substitute orzo with another pasta?

While orzo is ideal for its rice-like size and texture, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or tiny shells could work, but cooking times may vary slightly.

What can I do if I don’t have sundried tomatoes?

You can substitute with fresh diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a similar sweet and tangy note, though the flavor profile will be a bit different.

How spicy is this dish? Can I make it spicier?

This recipe is not spicy by default, but feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when mixing your ingredients if you crave some heat.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe is truly a gem in the dinner repertoire—simple ingredients come together to create something incredibly flavorful, comforting, and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, give this recipe a try and enjoy a cozy taste of Greece right in your own home.