I love this recipe because it’s all about ease and flavor. Everything comes together in one dish, making cleanup simple. The orzo cooks right in the broth, soaking up all the flavors of the herbs, lemon, and garlic. The shredded chicken makes it hearty, while the spinach, sundried tomatoes, and olives add those bright, briny Mediterranean notes I love. It’s high in protein, loaded with texture, and customizable to what I have in the fridge.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
orzo, uncooked
cooked chicken, shredded
olive oil
red onion, diced
garlic, minced
sundried tomatoes, diced
baby spinach, roughly chopped
feta cheese, crumbled
kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
dried oregano
salt
lemon, juiced and zested
chicken broth (or water)
fresh parsley, for serving
Directions
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
If I don’t have cooked chicken, I bake chicken breasts or thighs for 25 minutes, then shred them using two forks.
I add the diced red onion and olive oil to a 9×13-inch baking dish, stir to coat, and roast for 5 minutes while I prepare the rest.
I remove the dish from the oven and stir in the orzo, minced garlic, sundried tomatoes, chopped spinach, olives (if using), oregano, and salt.
I add the shredded chicken, crumbled feta, lemon juice, and zest to the mixture, stirring everything to combine.
I pour in the chicken broth and give it a final stir to make sure the orzo is mostly submerged.
I cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, I remove the foil, stir the casserole, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until the orzo is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Once it’s done, I let the dish rest for 5 minutes, then top with extra feta and chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Each serving contains around 462 calories, 30 grams of protein, 50 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of fiber.
Variations
Use Fresh Oregano: I swap in 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
Make It Vegetarian: I leave out the chicken and add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or chickpeas.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a little kick.
Slow Cooker Version: I combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on high for 2.5–3 hours or low for 5–6 hours, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Frozen Spinach Option: I thaw ¼ cup of frozen spinach, press out the moisture, and add it during assembly.
Storage/Reheating
Fridge: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: This casserole freezes well. I cool it completely, then freeze individual portions or the whole dish for up to 3 months.
Reheating: I reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, but I prefer orzo because it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors well. Small shapes like ditalini or couscous can also work, but the liquid ratio may need adjusting.
What kind of chicken should I use?
I use shredded chicken breasts or thighs — whatever I have on hand. Rotisserie chicken is also a great shortcut.
Do I need to cook the orzo first?
Nope! The orzo cooks right in the casserole with the broth, which makes it super easy and flavorful.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I’ve prepped everything in the baking dish, covered it, and stored it in the fridge until I’m ready to bake. I just give it a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s cold.
What can I use instead of feta?
If I’m not a fan of feta, I swap in goat cheese or shredded mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Conclusion
This Greek Chicken Casserole is the kind of meal I love to keep on repeat — simple, nutritious, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that doesn’t require much effort but tastes like I spent hours on it. With juicy chicken, tangy feta, and bright Mediterranean ingredients, this dish checks all the boxes for a satisfying family dinner.
