Greek Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing casserole that checks all the boxes—delicious, protein-rich, and effortlessly assembled—look no further than Greek Chicken Casserole. This dish is my go-to for warm gatherings or just busy weeknights, balancing bright Mediterranean ingredients with cozy, one-pan comfort. Juicy shredded chicken mingles with lemony orzo, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and pops of spinach, transforming simple components into a vibrant meal you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simplicity and big flavors! Each ingredient in this Greek Chicken Casserole brings something special to the table. Whether it’s the briny bite from olives or the creaminess of feta, every component creates layers of taste, texture, and color you can see—and savor.

• Orzo: The petite, rice-shaped pasta is the soul of this casserole, soaking up broth and tangy lemon for a creamy, comforting base.
• Cooked Chicken (shredded): A smart way to use leftovers, rotisserie chicken, or meal-prepped breasts—juicy, satisfying, and easy protein.
• Olive Oil: Adds silkiness and ties the Mediterranean flavors together; a drizzle at the start makes the veggies glisten.
• Red Onion: Diced for a tender, sweet bite that melts right into the orzo for subtle, aromatic depth.
• Garlic: Four fresh cloves for that essential aromatic kick; swap in garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
• Sundried Tomatoes: These bring sweet-tart intensity and a pop of savory umami that wakes up every bite.
• Baby Spinach: Roughly chopped so it wilts just right, adding green color and a fresh, mellow flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled for bold, creamy, salty pockets—all classic notes in a Greek-inspired dish.
• Kalamata Olives (optional): For a briny burst that’s totally Greek; slice for even distribution and a beautiful presentation.
• Dried Oregano: Earthy and robust, oregano anchors the herb flavor and gives the casserole its signature scent.
• Salt: Lets the vibrant ingredients shine, tying together all the layers of flavor.
• Lemon (juice & zest): The ultimate Mediterranean brightness—zest and juice lift the entire dish.
• Chicken Broth (or water): The magic liquid that plumps the orzo, melds flavors, and guarantees a creamy finish.
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle at the end wakes up the casserole with color and garden-fresh notes.

How to Make Greek Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—you want a hot oven to give the casserole that perfect golden finish. If your chicken isn’t already cooked, pop those breasts or thighs into the oven right now. While they bake (about 25 minutes), you can dice, chop, and gather the other ingredients, so everything is ready to assemble with minimal fuss.

Step 2: Roast the Onion

In your trusty 9 x 13-inch baking dish, toss the diced red onion with a slick of olive oil. Slide it into the oven for about 5 minutes. This quick pre-roast softens the onion, boosting its sweetness and aroma, and gives your casserole a richer base to build on.

Step 3: Layer the Goodness

Carefully pull the baking dish from the oven and add the uncooked orzo, minced garlic, diced sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach, olives (if using), dried oregano, a bit more olive oil, and a hearty pinch of salt. Give it all a good stir right in the pan. This ensures every little noodle gets acquainted with the flavors from the get-go and you don’t miss out on any melty goodness.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Feta, and Lemon

Now that your cooked chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it with two forks (if you haven’t already). Scatter the shredded chicken and crumbled feta cheese over the orzo mixture. Add lemon juice and zest—this combo wakes up every bite and balances the rich flavors. Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 5: Pour in Broth

Next, pour the chicken broth evenly over everything. Give it a gentle stir so all the orzo, veggies, and chicken are nestled into the liquid. This step is key: it ensures the pasta cooks evenly and the casserole ends up lusciously creamy, never dry.

Step 6: Bake Covered, then Uncovered

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes so the orzo can start soaking up all that flavorful broth. After 15 minutes, remove the foil (careful of steam!) and give everything a solid stir. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 15 to 20 minutes. This will finish cooking the orzo and let some liquid evaporate, leaving you with a casserole that’s perfectly tender and just the right amount of saucy.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once it’s bubbling and beautiful, pull your Greek Chicken Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps everything set and makes serving a breeze. Sprinkle with extra feta and parsley before you dig in—those fresh touches are the cherry on top!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! A generous sprinkle of crumbled feta and fresh parsley brightens up the top and delivers that perfect blend of creamy and herby. A few extra lemon wedges on the side bring more zing for citrus-lovers, and if you have any leftover olives, scatter them for extra drama and bite.

Side Dishes

Greek Chicken Casserole is hearty enough to shine solo, but it loves a few friends on the plate. Think a crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, or maybe some roasted vegetables. These sides add crunch, color, and even more layers of Mediterranean goodness, rounding out your dinner spread beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just feeling a little fancy, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a bistro vibe or spoon it into shallow bowls and top each serving with a swirl of extra virgin olive oil and a few microgreens. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds adds delightful crunch and an upscale garnish that’ll wow any guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Chicken Casserole stores like a dream! Once cooled, transfer any extras into airtight containers. It’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to five days, making it perfect for a week of meal-prepped lunches that never get boring.

Freezing

If you want to stretch your efforts further, freeze individual portions or the entire batch. Just be sure the casserole has cooled completely before wrapping tightly (foil and a freezer bag are best). It’ll stay tasty for up to three months, always waiting to answer the call of a busy night.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out, just until hot throughout (about 20 minutes if thawed, a bit longer from frozen). For quick single servings, the microwave does the trick—add a splash of broth or water for creamy revival.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Greek Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a speedy, flavorful shortcut for Greek Chicken Casserole. Just shred about four cups’ worth—either white or dark meat works wonderfully in this recipe.

What can I substitute for orzo?

If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice can stand in. Just keep an eye on cook times and adjust liquids as needed to make sure everything cooks through without drying out.

Is Greek Chicken Casserole gluten-free?

As written, the recipe contains orzo, which is wheat-based. To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free orzo or even cooked rice for a similarly satisfying, safe alternative.

Can I assemble this casserole in advance?

Definitely! Assemble everything up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for several hours (or overnight). Just note you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if your dish is starting out cold.

Can I add more vegetables to this Greek Chicken Casserole?

Yes! Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or zucchini all fit right in. Chop them small so they cook evenly and meld seamlessly into the delicious Mediterranean mix.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll try this Greek Chicken Casserole soon—it brings bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and pure comfort to the table with minimal effort. Share it with your favorite people, and let it become a new staple in your kitchen!

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