Imagine a dish that combines the tender, juicy goodness of chicken with the creamy, perfectly cooked orzo pasta - all baked to golden perfection with a melty cheese topping. This Chicken and Orzo Bake is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary comfort food moments that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and almost cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat with the onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the chicken and orzo mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the orzo is tender.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use homemade or high-quality chicken broth instead of store-bought alternatives.
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure it browns beautifully and develops a delicious golden crust.
- Don't overcook the chicken in the initial skillet stage - it will continue cooking in the oven, so aim for just under fully cooked.
- Choose a cheese that melts well, like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for the best topping.
- Let the dish rest for those crucial 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the orzo to absorb any remaining liquid.
- For added nutrition and color, consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the mixture before baking.
- If you prefer a crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to get a perfectly golden cheese crust.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
