Description
Greek Chicken Orzo Bake is a comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs, lightly toasted orzo pasta, a vibrant blend of herbs and spices, and a melty plant-based cheese topping. Easy to prepare as a one-pan bake, it offers balanced flavors with a rich tomato base, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon juice, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Miscellaneous
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese (plant-based)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic to build the flavor base. Chop the fresh spinach and measure out the orzo pasta. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and thyme.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until they develop a golden crust, locking in juices and adding texture.
- Combine Sauce and Orzo: Pour in tomato sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in the orzo and chopped spinach along with the herbs and a splash of lemon juice (natural). Sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly and mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Bake Until Perfectly Done: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly top with shredded plant-based cheese (plant-based). Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to melt and brown the cheese topping beautifully.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the bake to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking to help the flavors meld and the texture firm up. Serve warm, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Lightly toast your orzo before combining with liquids to boost nuttiness.
- Resting the bake helps it firm up and slice beautifully.
- Adjust broth quantity based on your orzo brand for perfect texture.
- This dish tastes best fresh but stores well for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Greek chicken, orzo bake, Mediterranean, one-pan meal, plant-based cheese, family dinner, easy recipe
