Greek Chicken Casserole with Orzo, Feta, and Spinach Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Greek Chicken Casserole with Orzo, Feta, and Spinach Recipe because it feels like a hearty hug in a bowl. It’s one of those dishes that’s cozy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to bring out when friends come over. The combination of tender chicken, creamy feta, and fresh spinach all baked together with orzo is just irresistible in my kitchen.

When I first tried this recipe, I was delighted by how easily everything comes together, yet it tastes like you’ve been slaving away all day. You’ll find that it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd since it stores well and actually tastes even better the next day. Trust me, this casserole nails comfort food with a fresh Mediterranean twist.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Greek Chicken Casserole with Orzo, Feta, and Spinach Recipe is in its balance of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one is selected to layer Mediterranean flavors without requiring anything exotic.

• Orzo: This tiny pasta soaks up the broth perfectly, giving the casserole a creamy texture without needing extra cheese or cream.
• Diced tomatoes with dried basil, garlic, and oregano: Canned and seasoned, these add a robust umami flavor and save you from extra prepping herbs.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy, creamy bite that balances the mildness of the chicken and spinach.
• Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutrition, wilting down into the mix to blend effortlessly.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the orzo moist and infuses great flavor without excess saltiness.
• Chicken breasts: Cubed for even cooking and easy serving, chicken keeps the protein lean and satisfying.
• Lemon slices: A fresh citrusy pop that brightens the casserole with every bite.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish, adding color and a slight herbaceous note at the finish.
• Cracked black pepper: To season and enhance all the other flavors without overpowering.

Variations

I love how flexible this Greek Chicken Casserole with Orzo, Feta, and Spinach Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to fit different dietary needs or just to keep it fresh, and I encourage you to do the same.

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: They stay juicier and add a richer flavor—I discovered this trick when I wanted a more tender casserole.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add hearty mushrooms or chickpeas for protein, making it just as satisfying.
• Swap fresh spinach for kale or Swiss chard: These greens stand up well to baking and bring a different texture and nutrition boost.
• Add a sprinkle of mozzarella or parmesan: For an extra cheesy finish that your family might love.

How to Make Greek Chicken Casserole with Orzo, Feta, and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and boil the orzo

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready once you assemble the dish. While it heats up, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your orzo for about 8 minutes until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. When done, drain it in a mesh colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking — this also keeps the orzo from sticking.

Step 2: Combine orzo with feta, spinach, and tomatoes

Transfer the cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl and gently stir in the crumbled feta, fresh spinach, and the entire can of diced tomatoes — including all the tasty seasonings. This is where the flavor really builds, so take your time folding everything together to coat the orzo evenly without breaking up the feta too much.

Step 3: Assemble your casserole

Pour the mixture into your casserole dish, then pour 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth evenly over the top. Next, scatter the cubed chicken breasts on top, spreading them out for even cooking, and layer thin lemon slices over the chicken to infuse brightness while baking.

Step 4: Bake and rest

Cover your casserole tightly with aluminum foil or the dish lid to trap steam and moisture inside. Place it in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, which gives the chicken plenty of time to cook through and the flavors a chance to meld beautifully. When you pull it out, I always let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes — it’s a small step that makes a big difference by allowing the juices to absorb into the orzo so you get that perfect moist texture.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Casserole with Orzo, Feta, and Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this casserole with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a pop of green that feels so fresh and bright. Cracked black pepper goes on top last for a little bite and depth. And if I’m feeling indulgent, a few more crumbles of feta make it extra creamy and irresistible.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is pretty filling, I like to serve it alongside something light, like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. Sometimes, pita bread or warm flatbread on the side adds a nice touch for scooping up every last bit. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant also complement the Mediterranean vibe beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this casserole in smaller individual ramekins to give it a restaurant-style flair. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top before baking for crunch, or drizzle a little homemade tzatziki sauce when serving for a cool, creamy contrast. These little touches always impress guests without adding much work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to four days. The flavors actually get richer by the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole for up to two months. I usually portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture holds up surprisingly well thanks to the orzo and chicken.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave in short bursts stirring in between to evenly warm it through. Adding a splash of chicken broth when reheating can revive moisture and keep everything tasting fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Casserole with Orzo, Feta, and Spinach Recipe has become one of my family’s absolute favorites and a regular on my dinner rotation. Its hands-off prep and comforting Greek flavors make it easy to love, especially when you want something nourishing without fuss. I encourage you to try it—you might find it quickly becomes your go-to meal when you need something both satisfying and simple to prepare.

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