Name: Chicken Orzo Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (or 1 1/4 lbs), cooked and chopped (about 3 cups); 1 Tbsp olive oil; 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 12–16 oz orzo (see notes); 3 cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped; 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes; 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated or shredded; 5 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder); 1 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon); 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more for seasoning; 1 tsp black pepper, plus more for seasoning; 1/2 tsp dried oregano

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A creamy, cheesy Chicken Orzo Bake packed with tender chicken, spinach, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked orzo. Simple to prep, great for leftovers, and ideal for cozy weeknight dinners. It’s everything you love in one comforting dish.

Chicken Orzo Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan meal with minimal cleanup.
Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
Flexible ingredients — use fresh or sun-dried tomatoes.
Bakes in under an hour.
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large chicken breasts (or 1 1/4 lbs), cooked and chopped (about 3 cups)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 cup heavy whipping cream
12–16 oz orzo* (see notes)
3 cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
2/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated or shredded
5 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more for seasoning
1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Prepare Chicken: If using raw chicken, halve breasts lengthwise, season with salt and pepper, and sauté in olive oil for 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Let rest for 5 minutes, then dice.
Assemble Casserole: In the greased dish, combine chicken stock, cream, orzo, diced chicken, spinach, tomatoes, half of both cheeses, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir to combine and spread evenly.
Top & Bake: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
Rest & Serve: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes to thicken before gently stirring and serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10 servings (about 1 cup each)

Variations

Tomato Swap: Use 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) instead of fresh; add 1/2 cup extra liquid.
Different Greens: Use kale or arugula in place of spinach.
Cheese Variations: Try Gruyère, fontina, or cheddar for a twist.
Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy depth.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed.
Freezing: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver. Just chop and add directly.

Is it okay to use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the result will be slightly less rich. Use whole milk if possible.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

What kind of orzo should I use?

Use 12 oz of lower-quality orzo or 16 oz of high-quality Italian (bronze-cut) orzo.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.

How do I avoid dry orzo?

Add extra liquid as needed during or after baking, especially if it seems dry.

What’s a good side dish for this?

A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Orzo works best for texture, but small pasta like ditalini could work.

Does it reheat well?

Yes! Add a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Conclusion

Chicken orzo bake is a creamy, cheesy, one-pan wonder that hits all the right notes for comfort and convenience. With juicy chicken, tender orzo, and melty cheese in every bite, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite for family meals or entertaining guests.

Jessica