Greek Lemon Orzo Chicken Casserole

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (from a can is fine)
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, black pepper, and salt.
4. 4 Add chicken, diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, olives, and feta to the yogurt mixture; toss to coat.
5. 5 Fold in the cooked orzo until everything is well combined.
6. 6 Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 7 Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the top is golden.
8. 8 Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Baking sheet (optional, for catching spills)

Variations

• Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for extra tanginess.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.

Substitutions

• Use gluten-free orzo for a gluten-free option.
• Substitute feta with goat cheese if desired.

Pairings

• Greek salad
• Warm pita bread
• Sauvignon Blanc wine

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the yogurt mixture for 30 minutes before assembling the casserole.
• This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake 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