Greek Chicken Casserole Recipe

If sunshine could be baked into a single dish, it would be Greek Chicken Casserole. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors—from tangy feta and juicy sundried tomatoes to vibrant lemon and briny olives—this comforting casserole is both lively and soul-soothing. What I love most about it is how effortlessly it comes together: you simply layer the ingredients in one pan, bake, and out comes a golden, bubbling casserole that instantly whisks you away to a sun-drenched Aegean evening. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or entertaining friends, Greek Chicken Casserole always manages to surprise with its depth of flavor and pure coziness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Greek Chicken Casserole lies in its handful of bold, reliable staples that harmonize beautifully. Each ingredient is chosen with care—it’s a showcase of simple Mediterranean flavors that bring both comfort and color to your table. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips and insights for each part of the puzzle:

• Orzo: These rice-shaped pasta pieces soak up all the savory liquid, giving the casserole a velvety, toothsome bite.
• Cooked chicken, shredded: Using either breast or thigh meat ensures tender, protein-packed bites in every forkful.
• Olive oil: Good quality olive oil brings a fruity richness that ties the dish together and helps vegetables caramelize.
• Red onion, diced: Sweet and with a gentle tang, red onion adds depth and bright flecks of color.
• Garlic, minced: There’s nothing like fresh garlic to create that irresistible Mediterranean aroma—don’t skip this!
• Sundried tomatoes, diced: These concentrated gems bring a punch of sweet-tart flavor and stunning color.
• Baby spinach, chopped: Chopped spinach wilts into the casserole, adding vitamins, flavor, and a pop of evergreen.
• Feta cheese, crumbled: Feta melts and mingles throughout the casserole, providing a creamy, tangy note.
• Kalamata olives (optional): For those craving a salty, briny bite, olives add the classic Greek spark.
• Dried oregano: Just a teaspoon boosts everything with that signature herby warmth.
• Salt: The obvious enhancer—taste as you go, especially with salty feta and olives in the mix.
• Lemon, juiced and zested: Both juice and zest infuse the casserole with bright acidity and aromatic lift.
• Chicken broth (or water): This provides the orzo with plenty of flavorful cooking liquid; broth really boosts the richness.
• Fresh parsley, to serve: A scattering of parsley brings freshness and a beautiful finish to your masterpiece.

How to Make Greek Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Before you start, crank your oven up to 400°F so it’s piping hot. This ensures a quick, even bake and a casserole with perfectly cooked orzo and bubbling cheese. Take a moment to gather and prep your ingredients for efficiency—trust me, you’ll appreciate the organization later!

Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken

If you don’t have leftover or rotisserie chicken handy, simply bake your chicken breasts or thighs in the oven for about 25 minutes until they’re cooked through. Once done, let them rest briefly before shredding the meat into bite-sized threads with two forks. This makes the chicken extra tender and allows it to soak up all the wonderful flavors of the casserole.

Step 3: Soften the Onion

Dice your red onion and toss it in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, adding a drizzle of olive oil. Use a spatula to coat the onion well, then slide the dish into your preheated oven for about 5 minutes. This quick roast brings out the onion’s sweetness and lays the flavor foundation for your Greek Chicken Casserole.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Carefully remove your baking dish from the oven. Now, it’s time for a kitchen symphony: add the orzo, minced garlic, sundried tomatoes, chopped spinach, optional olives, oregano, more olive oil, and salt. Give everything a good stir, making sure the orzo gets well mingled with all the flavor-makers. This is where the real character of the casserole begins!

Step 5: Add Chicken, Feta, and Lemon

Next, nestle your shredded chicken and crumbled feta right into the veggie-orzo mixture. Pour over the fresh lemon juice and scatter in the zest. This step is what gives Greek Chicken Casserole its signature creaminess, tang, and lift—your kitchen should already be smelling dreamy at this point.

Step 6: Pour in the Broth

Gently pour your chicken broth or water into the pan, making sure everything is well incorporated and most ingredients are snugly submerged. This liquid is what transforms the orzo into a perfectly cooked, tender base, while marrying all the flavors together.

Step 7: First Bake—Covered

Cover the entire baking dish tightly with aluminium foil and slide it into the oven for about 15 minutes. This traps in the steam, letting the orzo start to absorb the wonderfully seasoned broth and soften up without drying out.

Step 8: Second Bake—Uncovered

After 15 minutes, carefully peel back the foil (watch the steam), give the casserole a thorough stir to distribute all the flavors, and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a bubbling top and orzo that’s tender but not mushy—most of the liquid should be absorbed, and everything will smell irresistible.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

When your Greek Chicken Casserole emerges golden and aromatic, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows everything to settle, so it slices neatly and all the flavors finish melding together. Scatter over more crumbled feta and fresh parsley for a picture-perfect finish—now you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Garnishing Greek Chicken Casserole is an invitation to add even more brightness and pop. A generous sprinkle of crumbled feta brings creamy tang, while chopped fresh parsley dots the dish with color and a clean, fresh accent. If you’re feeling extra festive, a few more slices of kalamata olives and an additional grating of lemon zest will boost both flavor and curb appeal.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to be the star, but it’s lovely alongside a few simple sides. Try serving it with a crisp Greek salad, some grilled vegetables, or warm pita bread. A bowl of tzatziki makes for a cool, creamy counterpoint, and roasted potatoes or a cucumber salad can turn dinner into a real Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with how you serve Greek Chicken Casserole: scoop it into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party touch, or serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for classic comfort. For picnics or lunches, pack portions into meal prep containers and top with extra parsley and feta just before eating—you’ll be the envy of the break room.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Greek Chicken Casserole are just as delightful the next day. Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container before popping it in the fridge. Stored properly, it stays fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, Greek Chicken Casserole freezes beautifully! Simply portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re in need of a hassle-free meal, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat, scoop individual portions into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in one-minute increments, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For larger amounts, reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F until warmed; add a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit dry. The flavors deepen over time, making each bite as delicious as the first.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Greek Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. Just shred or chop the meat and stir it in as directed for a super quick casserole prep.

Is there a substitute for orzo if I don’t have any?

If you’re out of orzo, feel free to swap in another small pasta shape like ditalini or even rice for a fun, slightly different twist. Just keep an eye on the baking time and liquid so your substitute cooks evenly.

What if I want to add more vegetables?

Go for it! Chopped bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or roasted zucchini would all be delicious additions. Just aim to keep the ratios similar so the casserole stays balanced and the orzo cooks properly.

How can I make this Greek Chicken Casserole vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and instead add extra vegetables—like mushrooms, chickpeas, or even roasted eggplant—for a hearty, satisfying vegetarian take. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep all the Mediterranean goodness.

Does the casserole taste good at room temperature?

Yes! Greek Chicken Casserole is flavorful whether served hot, warm, or at room temperature, making it a smart choice for potlucks and gatherings where you can’t always serve food piping hot.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a meal that’s both deliciously easy and brimming with Mediterranean flair, give Greek Chicken Casserole a try. It’s comforting, vibrant, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, savor every bite, and let this dish transport you straight to Greece—with no passport required.

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