Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the ingredients together, the aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a sun-soaked terrace in Greece. This Greek Chicken Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome, high-protein goodness, all crafted in a single pan. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling meal prep or someone seeking a comforting dish that’s family-friendly and easy to whip up, this casserole checks all the boxes. Plus, with options for gluten-free and dairy-free variations, everyone can enjoy a slice of Mediterranean delight. Curious about how to bring this deliciousness to your table? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Will You Love This Casserole? Simplicity: This one-pan wonder requires minimal prep, making weeknight cooking effortless and enjoyable. Flavor Explosion: The harmony of sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and oregano delivers a deliciously authentic Mediterranean experience. Family-Friendly: With gluten-free and dairy-free options, this dish caters to diverse dietary preferences, ensuring everyone is satisfied. Versatile Base: Easily customize with your favorite veggies or proteins, just like in Fiery Chicken Ramen or Garlic Butter Chicken. Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, this casserole supports healthier eating without sacrificing flavor. Crowd Pleaser: Its comforting nature and vibrant presentation make it perfect for family dinners or gatherings, leaving everyone asking for seconds! Greek Chicken Casserole Ingredients Unlock the delights of Mediterranean cooking with these key components! For the Casserole Orzo – Provides a pasta base for the casserole; swap for gluten-free orzo, white rice, or quinoa for a gluten-free option. Chicken – Main protein source, offering lean and filling qualities; using boneless chicken breasts is ideal for tenderness. Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Adds depth and a rich, tangy flavor; can substitute with diced tomatoes or omit if preferred. Baby Spinach – Introduces a nutritious green component; frozen spinach can be used, just ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained. Feta Cheese – Brings a creamy texture and strong flavor; can substitute with dairy-free feta or omit for a dairy-free version. Kalamata Olives – Adds briny flavor and a bit of saltiness; can be omitted if not desired. Onion – Provides aromatic depth; can substitute fresh with powder depending on preference. Garlic – Offers flavor enhancement; use fresh or powdered based on convenience. Chicken Broth – Base liquid for cooking; alternatively, use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Optional Additions Additional Vegetables – Consider bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrients; they balance the dish while enhancing flavors. Cheese Variations – Try different cheeses, such as dry Jack, if feta is not preferred; flexibility keeps it exciting! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Greek Chicken Casserole Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin your Greek Chicken Casserole journey by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when your casserole is ready, it will cook evenly and quickly. While the oven warms up, gather a large oven-safe baking dish or a casserole pan to prepare for the next steps. Step 2: Combine Ingredients In your baking dish, combine the orzo, bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. Pour in the chicken broth for moisture and flavor. Make sure to use a spatula to mix everything well, so every ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the casserole base. Step 3: Season Well Sprinkle salt, pepper, and oregano over the mixture in the baking dish. These seasonings will enhance the flavors, capturing the essence of Greek cuisine. Mix everything again until the seasonings are evenly coated on the chicken, pasta, and veggies. This step is crucial to bring out the delightful Mediterranean flavors. Step 4: Cover and Bake Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture while the casserole bakes. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake will allow the chicken to cook through and the orzo to absorb the flavorful broth, creating a warm, comforting base. Step 5: Uncover and Continue Baking After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the dish, taking care to avoid any steam. Return it to the oven and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This will help the liquid absorb fully, resulting in a tender orzo texture and a beautifully golden top. Step 6: Final Touches Once your Greek Chicken Casserole has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dish to settle into its creamy, delicious form. Use a fork to fluff the orzo before serving, bringing a delightful presentation to the table. Expert Tips for Greek Chicken Casserole Even Pieces: Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for consistent cooking. This prevents some parts from being undercooked while others become dry. Broth Balance: Adjust the amount of broth based on your pasta choice. High-water content items like cherry tomatoes may need less liquid to avoid a soupy casserole. Slow-Cooker Option: For a more laid-back approach, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Vegetable Flexibility: Don’t hesitate to add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. They boost nutrition and add a pop of color to your Greek chicken casserole. Cheese Alternatives: If you’re dairy-free, swap feta for a dairy-free feta option or simply omit it. This keeps your dish delicious while accommodating dietary needs. Thaw Spinach: If using frozen spinach, remember to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water from ruining the casserole’s texture. What to Serve with Greek Chicken Casserole Looking to elevate your Greek chicken casserole into a complete meal experience? Here are some delightful pairings that will enhance your dining occasion. Crisp Green Salad: A light mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the casserole beautifully. Adding crunchy cucumbers or juicy tomatoes provides refreshing contrasts. Roasted Vegetables: Combining seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots brings warmth and texture to your plate. The caramelization enhances their natural sweetness, making them a perfect sidekick to the savory casserole. Garlic Bread: This classic addition offers a delightful crunch and buttery flavor, perfect for soaking up the creamy goodness of the casserole. Serve warm and watch it disappear! Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy yogurt dip, infused with cucumber and garlic, offers a cool and refreshing counterpoint to the casserole’s warmth, enriching your Mediterranean experience. Couscous: Light and fluffy, a side of herbal couscous is an excellent companion. Toss it with lemon juice and parsley for a zesty lift that complements the Greek flavors. Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Rosé will enhance the meal’s Mediterranean tastes and aromas. The crisp acidity will cut through the richness of the casserole. Baklava: Finish your meal on a sweet note with this creamy dessert. The honey and nutty flavors harmonize beautifully with the hearty main dish, leaving a memorable impression. Greek Chicken Casserole Variations Feel free to customize this comforting dish to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs! Gluten-Free: Swap orzo with gluten-free orzo or quinoa for a delicious, gluten-free meal. Dairy-Free: Replace feta with dairy-free feta cheese, or simply omit it for a light version. Veggie-Packed: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichokes for extra color and nutritional value. Spicy Kick: Toss in crushed red pepper flakes for a delightful heat that complements the Mediterranean flavors. Herb Infusion: Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill instead of dried oregano for a burst of freshness. Slow-Cooker: Transfer everything into a slow cooker and simmer on low for 5-6 hours for an effortless, tender dish. Cheese Variety: Try challenging the norm with different types of cheese, like a nutty Gruyère for added depth. Protein Boost: Incorporate chickpeas or white beans for a protein-rich vegetarian option reminiscent of Sweet Chili Chicken. Your culinary creativity can transform this casserole into something uniquely yours! How to Store and Freeze Greek Chicken Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious Greek chicken casserole throughout the week. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly or use a freezer-safe dish to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and adjust consistency. Portioning: Consider portioning your casserole before freezing into single servings, making it convenient for quick meals anytime you crave a taste of Greece! Make Ahead Options These Greek Chicken Casserole is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop your vegetables, season the chicken, and combine the dry ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them in an airtight container. In fact, the casserole can be fully assembled and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking. Just be sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious meal, simply add the broth, mix everything together, and bake according to the instructions. This way, you’ll have a comforting, restaurant-quality dish on the table with minimal effort on those busy weeknights! Greek Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of orzo should I use for the casserole? For the Greek Chicken Casserole, traditional orzo works beautifully, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, I recommend using gluten-free orzo or alternatives like white rice or quinoa. This keeps the dish delicious while accommodating dietary needs. How long can I store leftovers in the fridge? You can store leftover Greek Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of Greece throughout the week without any fuss! Can I freeze Greek Chicken Casserole, and how do I do it? Absolutely! To freeze the casserole, ensure it has completely cooled. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to a freezer-safe dish to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. What should I do if my casserole turns out too watery? If your Greek Chicken Casserole is too watery, it could be due to excess moisture from ingredients like tomatoes or spinach. A simple fix is to add a bit more orzo or rice to soak up the liquid, and then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered to help evaporate some of the excess moisture. Are there any common allergens in this recipe? This recipe includes chicken and dairy (feta cheese), which are common allergens. If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, you can easily make it dairy-free by substituting feta with dairy-free cheese or omitting it altogether. Always check the packaging of each ingredient to ensure it’s safe for dietary requirements. Can I customize the vegetables in this casserole? Very! The beauty of this Greek Chicken Casserole lies in its versatility. Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli for a nutritional boost. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using vegetables with longer cooking times to ensure everything is perfectly tender and delicious. Greek Chicken Casserole – Comforting One-Pan Family Meal A delightful Greek Chicken Casserole recipe, featuring tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and vibrant veggies, perfect for a wholesome family meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: MediterraneanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole1 cup Orzo Can substitute with gluten-free orzo, white rice, or quinoa.1.5 lbs Boneless Chicken Breasts Main protein source.1 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Or can substitute with diced tomatoes.2 cups Baby Spinach Frozen spinach can be used if thawed and drained.1 cup Feta Cheese Can substitute with dairy-free feta.0.5 cup Kalamata Olives Optional.1 medium Onion Can substitute fresh with onion powder.3 cloves Garlic Use fresh or powdered.3 cups Chicken Broth Can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.Optional AdditionsAdditional Vegetables Consider bell peppers or zucchini.Cheese Variations Try different cheeses such as dry Jack. Equipment Oven-safe baking dishspatulaAluminum Foil Method InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).Combine orzo, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, feta, and olives in a baking dish. Pour in chicken broth and mix well.Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix to coat evenly.Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.Uncover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes.Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Fluff the orzo with a fork. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg NotesEnsure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. Adjust broth based on pasta choice, and thaw and drain spinach well if frozen. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
