Chicken Orzo Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe You’ll Love

Growing up in a small Midwest town, weekend dinners were a cherished family tradition. And nothing brought us together quite like my grandmother’s Chicken Orzo Bake. I remember the smell wafting from her tiny kitchen—the savory scent of garlic, the richness of roasted chicken, and that warm, slightly nutty aroma of orzo baking in broth. It was always the heart of our Sunday table, served in a deep dish straight from the oven, bubbling and golden on top.

Fast forward to today, I’ve adapted her old recipe to suit my own kitchen and busy lifestyle, and I’m so excited to share this delicious, fuss-free one-pan wonder with you. Whether you’re a busy mom, a cooking newbie, or just someone craving a cozy meal, this Chicken Orzo Bake is here to warm your heart—and your stomach.

Looking for another easy one-pan wonder? You’ll love this tropical twist in our Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan, packed with pineapple and bold island flavor.

Why Chicken Orzo Bake is So Special

This dish is a perfect combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, vibrant vegetables, and a cheesy, golden topping—all baked in one dish for minimal cleanup. The orzo soaks up all the flavors as it cooks, becoming delightfully creamy without the need for extra cream.

For another cozy pasta dish with rich flavor, check out our Sacchetti Pasta Recipe—stuffed with goodness and perfect for weeknights.

With Mediterranean roots and a hearty American twist, this dish has become a beloved staple across North America, from potlucks in the U.S. to casual dinners in Brazil and Mexico. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and easily adaptable for different diets and taste preferences.

What Makes It Shine:

• Creamy and comforting with no heavy cream needed
• Easily customizable for gluten-free, keto, or vegan diets
• Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to bring this comfort classic to life:

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil (use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor)
• 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
• 2 cups (475ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or veggie broth for vegetarian)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk or dairy-free alternative
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (30g) baby spinach (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Substitutions:

• No orzo? Try small pasta shapes like ditalini or rice.
• Dairy-free? Use plant-based cheese and milk alternatives.
• Add heat with a dash of red pepper flakes.

How to Make Chicken Orzo Bake (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Ingredients

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
• Sear until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes). No need to cook through.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—brown the chicken in batches if needed.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pan, add onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
• Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes.

4. Assemble the Bake

• Add orzo, broth, milk, sautéed vegetables, and seared chicken to the baking dish.
• Stir to combine. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Let it Rest

• Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help the flavors meld.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tips:

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Toast your orzo briefly before adding to enhance the nutty flavor.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a pop of brightness.

Common Mistakes:

• Overcooking the chicken before baking—it will dry out.
• Skipping the resting time. It makes a big difference in flavor!
• Using too little liquid. Orzo needs moisture to cook properly.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Tweaks:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice.
• Vegan: Swap chicken with tofu and use vegan cheese/milk.
• Keto: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice and reduce broth.

Flavor Boosts:

• Add sun-dried tomatoes and basil for an Italian spin.
• Stir in olives and feta for a Greek twist.
• Add green chiles and cumin for a Tex-Mex version.

How to Serve & Store

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs (parsley or basil) on top for a vibrant finish.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Add a splash of broth before reheating to restore creaminess.
• Reheat in a 325°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or microwave in 90-second bursts.

FAQs: Chicken Orzo Bake

How to make chicken orzo bake?

To make chicken orzo bake, sear seasoned chicken pieces, sauté aromatics, mix everything in a baking dish with orzo, broth, and cheese, then bake until golden and bubbling.

What is the nutritional information for chicken orzo bake?

Each serving (based on 6 servings) provides approximately 430 calories, 28g protein, 12g fat, 45g carbohydrates, and 2g fiber. Nutritional values may vary.

What are some similar dishes to chicken orzo bake?

Similar dishes include Giouvetsi (a Greek baked orzo with lamb or beef), chicken and rice casserole, or baked ziti with chicken. Each has a comforting, one-dish appeal.

How to store and reheat chicken orzo bake?

Cool the dish completely and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to retain moisture.

Final Thoughts: Try This Chicken Orzo Bake Tonight!

This chicken orzo bake is the kind of meal that brings comfort, warmth, and simplicity to your table. It’s hearty, adaptable, and downright delicious. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or feeding the whole family, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.This dish works well with our savory Porcupine Soup Recipe, making it a perfect addition to your weekly comfort menu.

Tried it? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your twist, or tag @savordelish on social media.

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