Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add red onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Build the Base
- Add orzo to the skillet, toasting for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in sundried tomatoes, oregano, salt, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add Chicken & Spinach
- Stir in the cooked chicken and baby spinach.
- Allow spinach to wilt slightly.
- Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the skillet (or transfer to a casserole dish and cover with foil).
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
- Remove from the oven, stir in lemon juice and zest, then fold in Kalamata olives.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes until cheese is slightly melted.
- Step 7: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm as a complete meal.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked casserole in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
🥄 Variations
Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even shrimp.
Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and add chickpeas for protein.
Cheese Twist: Try goat cheese or mozzarella instead of feta.
Veggie Boost: Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
Herbal Upgrade: Use fresh dill or basil for extra freshness.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Gluten-Free: Swap orzo for gluten-free short pasta or rice.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken?
Yes, just dice it small and cook it in the skillet before adding the orzo. What can I use instead of orzo?
Small pasta shapes, quinoa, or rice all work. Do I need to use sundried tomatoes packed in oil?
They add flavor, but dry sundried tomatoes rehydrated in hot water also work. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to Step 5, refrigerate, then bake when ready. What if my casserole is too dry?
Stir in extra warm broth before serving. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes—just reduce the amount of lemon or sundried tomatoes if your kids prefer milder flavors. Can I skip the olives?
Absolutely—just leave them out or replace with capers. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, bake it in a 9x13 casserole dish. What can I serve this with?
A simple green salad and crusty bread. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding. 🏁 Conclusion This Greek Chicken Casserole is a delicious, one-dish meal that brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. With tender chicken, orzo, sundried tomatoes, olives, and feta, it’s creamy, savory, and packed with freshness from lemon and parsley. It’s a dish you’ll want to add to your weeknight rotation—it’s easy, hearty, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or sharing with friends!
Yes, just dice it small and cook it in the skillet before adding the orzo. What can I use instead of orzo?
Small pasta shapes, quinoa, or rice all work. Do I need to use sundried tomatoes packed in oil?
They add flavor, but dry sundried tomatoes rehydrated in hot water also work. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to Step 5, refrigerate, then bake when ready. What if my casserole is too dry?
Stir in extra warm broth before serving. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes—just reduce the amount of lemon or sundried tomatoes if your kids prefer milder flavors. Can I skip the olives?
Absolutely—just leave them out or replace with capers. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, bake it in a 9x13 casserole dish. What can I serve this with?
A simple green salad and crusty bread. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding. 🏁 Conclusion This Greek Chicken Casserole is a delicious, one-dish meal that brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. With tender chicken, orzo, sundried tomatoes, olives, and feta, it’s creamy, savory, and packed with freshness from lemon and parsley. It’s a dish you’ll want to add to your weeknight rotation—it’s easy, hearty, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or sharing with friends!