Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Casserole

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. 3 Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper.
4. 4 Bring to a simmer, then stir in orzo. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. 6 Sprinkle with feta cheese, olives, and parsley. Top with mozzarella if using.
7. 7 Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. 8 Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. 9 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Baking sheet (optional)

Variations

• Add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
• Swap chicken for chickpeas to make it vegetarian.

Substitutions

• Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
• Substitute feta with goat cheese for a tangy alternative.

Pairings

• Warm pita bread
• Tzatziki sauce
• A fresh cucumber and tomato salad

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Add a handful of spinach or arugula in the last 5 minutes of baking for a fresh kick.

Storage

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

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of crusty bread and a simple green salad.
• Pair with a glass of crisp white wine for a delightful dining experience.

FAQ