Description
This Greek Chicken Orzo Bake is a vibrant and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, wholesome orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and creamy plant-based cheese (plant-based). Filled with Mediterranean flavors and zesty spices, it is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering a satisfying and easy-to-make dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, boneless and diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Cheese
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and veggies: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the chicken until lightly browned. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build the flavor base.
- Add dry orzo and seasoning: Stir in the orzo pasta, oregano, thyme, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and other seasonings. Toss everything to coat evenly. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, mixing gently to combine.
- Pour in broth and lemon juice (natural): Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice (natural) into the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid and is tender, allowing flavors to meld.
- Bake with plant-based cheese (plant-based): Remove the cover and evenly sprinkle the plant-based cheese (plant-based) on top. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and serve: Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven to set and cool slightly. Serve garnished with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or sliced Kalamata olives as desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
- Do not overcook the orzo; it should remain slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
- Cover the dish while simmering to trap steam for perfectly cooked orzo.
- Use fresh oregano or thyme whenever possible for brighter, fresher flavors.
- Allow the dish to rest after baking to let the flavors meld and the bake to set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken, orzo bake, plant-based cheese, Mediterranean, one-pan meal, gluten-free, family-friendly
