Greek Chicken Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition, this Greek Chicken Casserole is just what you need. It combines tender chicken, hearty orzo, and vibrant veggies in one delightful dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. Plus, the burst of Mediterranean flavors will transport you straight to sunny Greece!

This casserole has quickly become a favorite in our household. With its simple preparation and comforting taste, it’s great for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a long day or hosting friends for dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Greek Chicken Casserole comes together in just one pan! With minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying dinner in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with wholesome ingredients and delicious flavors, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
• Versatile Ingredients: Use your favorite veggies or swap out the chicken for another protein based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delicious casserole. Each item adds its own unique flavor and nutritional benefits!

For the Casserole

• 2 cups orzo, uncooked
• 1 lb. cooked chicken, shredded (about 4 cups, roughly 3 chicken breasts or 6 chicken thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, packed, diced
• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled, plus more to serve
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 5 cups chicken broth, or water
• Fresh parsley, to serve

Variations

This Greek Chicken Casserole is super flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: If you prefer turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option, feel free to make those substitutions!
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
• Change the cheese: Crumbled goat cheese can give this dish a tangy twist if feta isn’t your thing.
• Herb it up: Fresh herbs like basil or dill can be added right before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Make Greek Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you don’t already have cooked chicken on hand, bake your chicken breasts or thighs in the oven for about 25 minutes. Once they’re fully cooked through (a trusty meat thermometer should read 165°F), let them cool slightly before shredding them into bite-sized pieces. Shredding allows all that juicy goodness to mix beautifully into the casserole.

Step 3: Start with Onions

In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, add your diced onion along with some olive oil. Stir them together until everything is well coated. Pop this into the oven for about 5 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This quick step helps soften the onions and brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Combine Main Ingredients

Remove the baking dish from the oven carefully (it’ll be hot!) and stir in the uncooked orzo along with minced garlic, sundried tomatoes, chopped spinach, kalamata olives (if using), dried oregano, more olive oil, and salt. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures that every bite will be bursting with flavor!

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Now it’s time to toss in that shredded chicken along with crumbled feta cheese as well as lemon juice and zest. Stir everything again until well combined—this will help infuse all those Mediterranean flavors throughout your casserole.

Step 6: Pour in Broth

Pour in your broth (or water) over everything in the baking dish. Give it one last stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and ensure that most of them are submerged in liquid—this helps the orzo cook perfectly!

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it back into the oven for about 15 minutes. Covering helps trap steam inside which cooks everything evenly.

Step 8: Bake Uncovered

After 15 minutes, remove the foil carefully (watch out for steam!) and give everything another good stir. Return it to bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of that liquid has absorbed—this is where all those flavors meld together wonderfully!

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Once it’s cooked through beautifully, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This little wait makes sure everything settles nicely! When ready to serve, sprinkle extra feta cheese on top along with some fresh parsley for brightness.

Enjoy this delectable Greek Chicken Casserole knowing you’ve created something healthy yet comforting—perfect for any family dinner!

Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Casserole

Making this Greek chicken casserole is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors of the casserole, making each bite vibrant and delicious. Opt for fresh spinach rather than frozen to maintain that crisp texture.
• Shred the Chicken Evenly: Ensure that your shredded chicken pieces are roughly the same size so they heat evenly throughout the casserole. This way, every serving will be packed with flavor.
• Monitor Liquid Levels: Depending on your oven and the type of orzo you use, you may need to adjust the amount of broth slightly. Keep an eye on it while baking; if it looks too dry, add a splash more broth.
• Experiment with Cheese: While feta cheese adds a lovely tangy flavor, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese. This can create a creamier texture and unique taste.
• Make It Ahead of Time: This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra few minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Casserole

Serving this Greek chicken casserole can be just as fun as making it! Here are some tips to elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on top adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up every bite.
• Extra Feta: Crumbling additional feta cheese over the top right before serving enhances its salty flavor and creamy texture.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives dressed in olive oil and lemon complements the warm flavors of the casserole beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus with olive oil and herbs before roasting them until tender. They provide a nice contrast in texture.
• Tzatziki Sauce: This cool yogurt-based sauce made with cucumber and garlic offers a refreshing dip that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up this dish or enjoying alongside for added comfort.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Greek chicken casserole will not only satisfy but also impress everyone at your dinner table! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Greek chicken casserole is not only delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily whip it up in advance, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container to keep it fresh.

Freezing

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, about 2-3 minutes.
• For larger portions, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta in Greek Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! While feta adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.

How can I make Greek Chicken Casserole healthier?

To make this dish even healthier, you can increase the amount of spinach and other vegetables, or use whole grain orzo for added fiber.

What type of chicken works best for Greek Chicken Casserole?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe as it saves time. You can also bake fresh chicken breasts or thighs as mentioned in the instructions.

Can I add more vegetables to my Greek Chicken Casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to include bell peppers, zucchini, or any other veggies you love for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Greek chicken casserole as I am! It’s such a comforting dish that brings together hearty ingredients with vibrant flavors. Whether it’s for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me!