Greek Chicken Casserole

Imagine the aromatic blend of Mediterranean herbs enveloping your kitchen as this Greek Chicken Casserole bakes to golden perfection. Tender chunks of chicken nestled among colorful vegetables, tangy feta, and hearty orzo create a comforting one-dish meal that transports you straight to a seaside taverna in Santorini. This Greek Chicken Casserole combines traditional Hellenic flavors in a modern, convenient format that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. You’ll learn how to layer flavors like a professional chef while creating a nutritious, satisfying meal that will become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek Chicken Casserole delivers Mediterranean magic in every bite. The combination of juicy chicken thighs and breasts provides the perfect protein base, while the orzo pasta absorbs all the savory flavors as it cooks directly in the casserole. You’ll appreciate the textural contrasts between the tender chicken, al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta cheese that melts slightly into the dish.

What makes this Mediterranean chicken bake truly special is its impressive flavor-to-effort ratio. Despite its complex taste profile featuring lemon, oregano, garlic, and olive oil—the hallmarks of Greek cuisine—this dish comes together with minimal hands-on time. The oven does most of the work, allowing all those distinct Mediterranean elements to meld beautifully.

Health-conscious cooks will appreciate that this hearty casserole delivers complete nutrition in one dish. Rich in lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and colorful vegetables, this Greek-inspired dinner manages to be both wholesome and indulgent at the same time. The olive oil and feta provide healthy fats that keep you satisfied while delivering authentic Mediterranean flavor.

Ingredients

For this Greek Chicken Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) chicken (mix of thighs and breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1½ cups (300g) uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 large red onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 bell peppers (preferably 1 red, 1 yellow), chopped
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (optional, can substitute with additional broth)
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 cup (150g) kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 8 oz (225g) feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The authentic Greek flavor comes from high-quality feta cheese—look for ones made from sheep’s milk for the most traditional taste. Similarly, using a good quality extra virgin olive oil will significantly enhance the Mediterranean character of this baked Greek chicken dish.

Pro Tips

Season Strategically: For the most flavorful Greek Chicken Casserole, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper before adding them to the casserole. This foundational seasoning step creates depth that can’t be achieved by just seasoning the dish at the end. For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano for 30 minutes before cooking.

Perfect Your Orzo Technique: The key to perfect texture in this Mediterranean casserole is getting the orzo right. Unlike most pasta dishes where you pre-cook the pasta, the orzo cooks directly in the casserole, absorbing the flavorful liquids. To prevent the orzo from becoming mushy, arrange it in an even layer and ensure it’s fully submerged in the broth mixture. If the casserole seems dry during baking, add an additional ¼ cup of hot broth.

Create Flavor Layering: Professional chefs build complex flavors through layering, and you can do the same with this Greek Chicken Casserole. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until fragrant before adding them to the casserole. Add half the feta cheese during assembly and reserve the other half to sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. This technique creates distinct pockets of tangy flavor throughout the dish while also forming an irresistible golden crust on top.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, prepare all your ingredients. Dice the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Chop all vegetables and have your liquids measured and ready to streamline the assembly process.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re lightly browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil along with the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a 9×13-inch (or similar) baking dish. Add the uncooked orzo pasta and stir to combine with the vegetables. Arrange the seared chicken pieces evenly on top of the orzo mixture.

Step 5: In a bowl or large measuring cup, combine the chicken broth, white wine (if using), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this liquid mixture evenly over the casserole. Make sure all the orzo is submerged in the liquid—this is crucial for proper cooking.

Step 6: Sprinkle the dried herbs (if using dried instead of fresh), half of the feta cheese, and the halved cherry tomatoes over the top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 7: Remove the foil, add the kalamata olives and sprinkle the remaining feta cheese on top. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the orzo is tender, the chicken is fully cooked, and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Remove your Greek Chicken Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the excess liquid to be absorbed. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of good olive oil for an authentic Mediterranean touch.

Variations

Greek Chicken and Quinoa Casserole: For a gluten-free and higher-protein alternative, substitute the orzo with 1½ cups of rinsed quinoa. The cooking time remains similar, though you may need to add an extra ¼ cup of broth as quinoa absorbs more liquid than orzo. This variation adds a nutty flavor and interesting texture while maintaining the Mediterranean essence of the original Greek Chicken Casserole.

Vegetarian Greek Casserole: Transform this into a meatless meal by replacing the chicken with 2 cans (15 oz each) of drained and rinsed chickpeas. Add 2 cups of diced eggplant or zucchini to increase the vegetable content and substance. The chickpeas provide a satisfying protein element while absorbing all the wonderful Greek flavors. Reduce the initial baking time to 20 minutes since you won’t need to cook chicken through.

Lemon-Artichoke Greek Chicken: Enhance the Mediterranean profile by adding 1 cup of quartered artichoke hearts (drained if using canned or jarred) and increasing the lemon zest to 2 teaspoons. This variation intensifies the bright, tangy notes that make Greek cuisine so refreshing. The artichokes add another layer of texture and their mild flavor pairs beautifully with the chicken and feta in this baked Greek casserole.

Storage and Serving

This Greek Chicken Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer leftover portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the ingredients have more time to meld together. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions at 70% power with a splash of water to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

For serving, present your Greek Chicken Casserole as a complete meal or enhance it with simple Mediterranean accompaniments. A classic Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, and red onion dressed in olive oil and red wine vinegar makes a perfect side dish. Warm pita bread is ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a special touch, serve with a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top—the cool cucumber yogurt complements the warm casserole beautifully and adds another layer of authentic Greek flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this Greek Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow an extra 10-15 minutes of covered baking time since you’ll be starting with cold ingredients.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the chicken before adding it to the casserole?
While you can skip this step in a pinch, browning the chicken first creates a more complex flavor and better texture in the final dish. If you choose to add raw chicken directly to the casserole, ensure it’s cut into small pieces and increase the covered baking time by about 10 minutes.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a mix with thighs?
Yes, you can use only chicken breasts if you prefer, though the casserole may be slightly less juicy. If using only breast meat, consider marinating it first and be careful not to overbake to prevent dryness.

What can I substitute for orzo if I can’t find it?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe work well as direct substitutes. For a grain alternative, try pearl couscous (Israeli couscous) which has a similar size and texture to orzo.

My casserole seems too liquidy. What went wrong?
If there’s excess liquid after baking, remove the casserole from the oven, stir gently, and let it rest uncovered for 10-15 minutes. The orzo will continue absorbing liquid as it stands. For next time, your oven may run cooler than standard, so consider increasing the temperature by 15°F.

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender chicken, toothsome orzo, and bright Mediterranean vegetables, all united by the signature flavors of lemon, oregano, and tangy feta. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing the sunshine and relaxed spirit of the Greek islands right to your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for satisfying meal prep options, this one-pan wonder delivers both convenience and the transportive power of good food. As they say in Greece, “Kali Orexi” — Bon Appétit!

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