Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo Bake
Tangy lemon zest and juicy chicken meld with tender orzo in a creamy, golden bake that's pure comfort.
Total: 60 minPrep: 15 minCook: 45 min6 servingsDifficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (234+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 can (14 oz) chicken broth
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 In a large bowl, combine chicken, orzo, chicken broth, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- 3 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 4 Top with feta cheese and diced tomatoes.
- 5 Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- 6 Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- 7 Remove foil, sprinkle with parsley, and bake for another 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- 8 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- aluminum foil
Variations
- Add spinach or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
Substitutions
- If Greek yogurt is unavailable, use sour cream for a similar creamy texture.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Pairings
- Greek salad
- Warm pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
Nutrition
Calories:
450 kcal
Fat:
18g fat
Carbs:
32g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
2g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For extra zest, use fresh oregano if available.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered with foil at 350°F until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh Greek salad and warm pita bread.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure it's fully thawed and patted dry before use to avoid excess moisture.