Greek Chicken Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal to bring everyone together, this Greek Chicken Casserole is just the ticket! It’s packed with flavor and made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe has become a family favorite in my house, especially on those busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough for gatherings with friends or cozy dinners at home.

I love how easy it is to customize this dish to suit your taste, whether you want to add more veggies or try different cheeses. Each bite is bursting with Mediterranean goodness, and it’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: With everything baked together in one dish, you save time on prep and cleanup.
• Protein-Packed: Each serving contains over 30 grams of protein, keeping everyone satisfied and energized.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate the vibrant flavors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
• Deliciously Versatile: Feel free to adapt ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Greek Chicken Casserole. Everything you need is easy to find at your local grocery store!

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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to mix things up:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie turkey or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Change the cheese: Try goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a different taste.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.

How to Make Greek Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly right from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken (If Needed)

If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, simply bake the chicken breasts or thighs for about 25 minutes until fully cooked. Once they’re done, shred them into bite-size pieces using two forks. This step is crucial because tender shredded chicken soaks up all those wonderful flavors!

Step 3: Sauté Your Onions

In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, add the diced onion and drizzle with olive oil. Stir until well coated. Pop this into the oven for about 5 minutes while you prepare everything else. Baking the onions briefly softens them and enhances their sweetness.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Remove the baking dish from the oven and add in the uncooked orzo along with minced garlic, diced sundried tomatoes, chopped spinach, kalamata olives (if using), dried oregano, olive oil, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed – this is where those Mediterranean flavors start coming alive!

Step 5: Add Chicken and Feta

Next up, add your shredded chicken along with crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Give everything another good stir; this helps distribute all those tasty ingredients throughout the casserole.

Step 6: Pour in Broth

Pour in your broth (or water) and stir until everything is well combined. Make sure that your orzo and veggies are mostly submerged in liquid; this helps them cook properly.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil before placing it back into the oven for about 15 minutes. This allows steam to build up inside which cooks everything perfectly.

Step 8: Final Bake Uncovered

After removing the foil, give everything a gentle stir again and return it uncovered to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy

Once cooked through, let your casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle some extra feta cheese and fresh parsley on top for that finishing touch! Leftovers can be stored easily in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Greek Chicken Casserole with loved ones – it’s sure to become a cherished recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Casserole

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can elevate your Greek chicken casserole to the next level!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant color to your dish.
• Customize Your Protein: If you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to substitute cooked shredded chicken with turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. This flexibility allows you to cater to different dietary preferences.
• Let It Rest: After baking, let your casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and ensures that the orzo has absorbed the remaining liquid.
• Experiment with Cheese: While feta cheese is traditional, you can try using goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer. Each type of cheese adds its own unique flavor profile.
• Make It Ahead of Time: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling all the ingredients in advance and storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Casserole

Presenting your Greek chicken casserole beautifully can make mealtime even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley or dill can add a burst of color and freshness that complements the dish perfectly.
• Extra Feta: Crumbling additional feta cheese on top before serving enhances both flavor and presentation.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing of citrus when plated.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta drizzled with olive oil balances out the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant add a colorful and nutritious touch to your meal.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread or pita chips make for a perfect accompaniment, allowing you to scoop up every last delicious bite.
• Tzatziki Sauce: This cool yogurt sauce made with cucumbers and garlic can serve as a refreshing dip alongside your casserole, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Greek chicken casserole will not only be a hit at your dinner table but will also become a favorite recipe you’ll want to make again and again! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Greek chicken casserole is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this tasty dish!

Can I make Greek Chicken Casserole with raw chicken?

Yes! For fresh chicken, bake it first as detailed in the instructions, then shred and mix it into the casserole.

How can I add more flavor to my Greek Chicken Casserole?

You can enhance flavors by adding herbs like thyme or dill or incorporating extra spices such as paprika or cumin.

What can I serve with Greek Chicken Casserole?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like farro or quinoa for a different texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Greek chicken casserole! It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a dish that your family will love. Enjoy exploring this recipe and sharing its deliciousness—happy cooking!

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