Print

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

Freshly baked golden Chicken Orzo Bake
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Chicken Orzo Bake is your new go-to comfort dish! Juicy chicken, tender orzo pasta, vibrant veggies, and a cheesy, golden topping all come together in one fuss-free baking dish. With its rich flavor and creamy texture—without any heavy cream—this meal is perfect for cozy family dinners or easy weeknight prep. It’s warm, hearty, and irresistibly delicious!

  • Author: Julia Hartman
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American with Mediterranean influence
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta

  • 2 cups (475ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable 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

Instructions

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

  • 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.)

  • Sauté the Vegetables
    In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

  • Assemble the Dish
    In the prepared baking dish, combine orzo, chicken broth, milk, sautéed vegetables, and seared chicken. Stir well to mix. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

  • Bake
    Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.

  • Let it Rest
    Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and enhances the flavor.

Notes

  • Substitutions:

    • No orzo? Substitute with ditalini, rice, or small pasta shapes.

    • Dairy-free? Use plant-based cheese and milk alternatives.

    • Want heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.

  • Pro Tips:

    • Use chicken thighs for added juiciness.

    • Toast orzo in the skillet for a nuttier flavor.

    • Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the dish.

 

  • Variations:

    • Italian: Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.

    • Greek: Stir in olives and crumbled feta.

    • Tex-Mex: Mix in green chiles and a dash of cumin.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savordelish.com/chicken-orzo-bake/