Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to Greece without leaving your kitchen? The Chicken Orzo Casserole Giouvetsi is a delightful blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean! This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, hearty orzo, and zesty tomatoes, all baked to perfection in just one hour. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish promises to impress with minimal effort. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a comforting, flavorful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until they develop a golden color, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This will help seal in the flavors and create a nice exterior.
- Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet with the onions, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the prepared baking dish. Spread the tomato and onion mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the uncooked orzo pasta around and between the chicken pieces, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour the chicken broth over the entire dish, making sure the orzo and chicken are mostly submerged. The liquid will help cook the orzo and keep the dish moist.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the orzo is tender.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to brown slightly and create a crispy texture.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or grated mizithra cheese if desired, and serve hot directly from the baking dish.
Tips
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with the salt, pepper, and oregano! Proper seasoning is key to enhancing the flavors of your chicken and orzo.
- Browning the Chicken: Take the time to brown the chicken pieces well. This step adds depth of flavor and a beautiful color to the dish.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chicken broth and fresh tomatoes if possible. The better the ingredients, the more delicious your casserole will be!
- Foil Covering: Make sure to cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which helps cook the orzo evenly and keeps the chicken moist.
- Final Browning: For that perfect crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. This allows the casserole to develop a delightful golden crust.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This resting period helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to garnish your dish with fresh parsley or grated mizithra cheese for an extra touch of flavor and presentation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
