If you are looking for a comforting, delicious, and effortlessly satisfying meal, this Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and the delicate texture of orzo pasta, all baked to golden perfection, it feels like a warm hug in casserole form. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing ahead for busy weeknights, this recipe blends fresh ingredients with vibrant flavors that everyone will love. The spinach and tomatoes add a pop of color and nutrition, while the blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses delivers that irresistible cheesy finish that makes every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to make a simple yet spectacular dish. Each one is essential, adding layers of flavor, texture, and color to your Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe. From the juicy chicken breasts to the fresh baby spinach and creamy cheeses, you’ll see how every component plays its role perfectly.
- 2 large chicken breasts: The hearty protein base, providing juiciness and substance to the bake.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, enhances flavor while helping to brown it beautifully.
- 3 cups low sodium chicken stock: Adds moisture and depth to the orzo without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates the rich, creamy sauce that binds everything together.
- 12-16 oz orzo: The pasta star of the dish; its small size allows it to cook evenly and soak up the sauce.
- 3 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves: Offers freshness and a subtle earthy taste, plus a lovely green contrast.
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes: Bring sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cheese and cream.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the dish a luscious, gooey texture.
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the entire bake.
- 5 medium garlic cloves (minced): Imparts a fragrant punch that livens up every bite.
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the flavors, cutting through the richness with a lovely citrus zing.
- 1 tsp fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning, enhances all the tastes in the dish.
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to each serving.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Brings a hint of herbal warmth that complements the chicken and cheese perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray or butter. This step ensures your chicken orzo bake won’t stick and will brown nicely on top, setting the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Cook and Dice the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then sauté them in olive oil over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side. Achieving a golden brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit guarantees juicy, flavorful pieces. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before dicing it into bite-sized pieces, which will mingle beautifully with the pasta and sauce later.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Filling
In your prepared casserole dish, combine the chicken stock, heavy cream, orzo, diced chicken, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir everything together until well mixed, then smooth the top to ensure even cooking throughout the bake.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the casserole for that irresistible cheesy crust. Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the orzo has softened perfectly and the top is bubbling golden brown.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, give the casserole 10 minutes to rest. This step allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to settle, making it easier to serve and enjoy without losing any of that lovely creaminess. Then gently stir to combine, and your Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe is ready to delight.
How to Serve Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and taste with fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few lemon zest shavings can also brighten the dish, adding a fresh, inviting aroma that gets everyone’s appetite going.
Side Dishes
This chicken orzo bake is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables makes a fantastic, balanced meal. Garlicky green beans or steamed asparagus bring a great contrast in texture and complement the richness of the casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, allowing guests to enjoy a personalized Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe experience. Alternatively, sprinkle extra parmesan and broil the top for 2-3 minutes to get an extra crispy cheese crust before serving. It looks impressive and adds a wonderful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken orzo bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes for an excellent lunch the next day — just reheat gently to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Freezing
This dish freezes really well, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer portions or the whole casserole into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap with plastic wrap before adding the container lid.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw if frozen overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil to keep moisture intact. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on medium power, stirring halfway through, until heated evenly and deliciously warm.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe. It saves time and adding pre-cooked chicken keeps the dish equally flavorful and satisfying.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
Mozzarella and parmesan are the stars here, giving you creamy meltiness and sharp, nutty flavor. You can experiment by adding a bit of pecorino or fontina for different cheesy notes, but sticking with mozzarella and parmesan is a surefire way to get the classic taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Increasing the spinach and tomatoes or adding mushrooms will keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
How can I make the orzo less creamy if I prefer a lighter bake?
Reduce the heavy cream to half a cup and increase the chicken stock accordingly. This will lighten the sauce while still ensuring the pasta cooks perfectly and remains flavorful.
Is it okay to substitute fresh herbs for dried oregano?
Yes, fresh oregano or even fresh thyme can be a lovely swap. Use about one tablespoon of fresh herbs to replace the dried oregano to maintain a balanced flavor in your Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels cozy and indulgent without much fuss, making it a perfect go-to for weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines familiar ingredients in a way that feels fresh and exciting. I truly hope you give it a try and find as much joy in every creamy, cheesy spoonful as I do when I make it for my loved ones!
Print
Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings (about 1 cup each)
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Orzo Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes, all baked to melty cheesy perfection. It’s an easy all-in-one dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, delivering balanced flavors with a rich, creamy sauce and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 1 1/4 lbs, about 3 cups cooked chopped chicken)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to season chicken
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 12–16 oz orzo (Dellalo = 16 oz, Barilla = 12 oz, see notes*)
- 3 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves (2–3 oz, coarsely chopped)
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 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
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated or shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick spray or greasing it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken: If not using pre-cooked chicken, slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through to 165°F using an instant-read thermometer. Remove from heat, let cool for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble Casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, combine the chicken stock, heavy cream, orzo, diced chicken, chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, half of the mozzarella, half of the parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Stir gently to mix all ingredients thoroughly and flatten the top for even baking.
- Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the bake to thicken up slightly. After resting, gently stir the casserole to combine the ingredients before serving.
Notes
- The orzo cooking time varies depending on the brand and size; adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure orzo is tender.
- If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, reduce the chicken sautéing step.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the sauce thicken for better texture.
- You may substitute baby spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- Use fresh garlic instead of powder for more robust flavor.
