Description
Discover a flavorful Greek Chicken Orzo Bake featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and creamy plant-based cheese. This one-pan Mediterranean-inspired casserole is easy to prepare, filled with vibrant herbs and wholesome ingredients, perfect for satisfying family meals on busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 cups chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups chicken broth (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings and Texture
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop the spinach. Dice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden and are nearly cooked through.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Sprinkle the orzo pasta into the skillet with the chicken and aromatics, stirring to coat it evenly in the oil. Pour in the chicken broth (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Vegetables and Herbs: Add the spinach and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with dill, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Cheese: Pour the skillet mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the plant-based cheese evenly over the top and add a touch of natural gelling agent for a creamy finish.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and the orzo is tender and fully cooked.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking and reduce baking time.
- Partially cook orzo before baking to avoid a mushy texture.
- Fresh dill and oregano elevate authentic Mediterranean flavors better than dried herbs.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent the baking dish with foil halfway through baking.
- Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld and texture set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken orzo bake, Mediterranean casserole, plant-based cheese, one-pan meal, easy chicken bake
