Chicken orzo bake
A cosy evening feels even better with a chicken orzo bake bubbling away in the oven, filling the kitchen with the aromas of tomatoes, thyme, and garlic. The orzo slowly absorbs the stock, the chicken becomes incredibly juicy, and the duo of white cheese and Parmesan melts into a mesmerising golden-brown colour. Enjoy it straight from the oven, letting the first forkful speak for itself.
Ingredients
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450 g
Chicken breasts
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1
Garlic clove
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2 tbsp
Olive oil
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300 g
Cherry tomatoes
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4 sprigs
Fresh thyme
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1 tsp
Smoked paprika
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½ tsp
Chilli flakes
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6
Sundried tomatoes, chopped
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75 g
Fresh spinach
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250 g
Orzo pasta
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500 ml
Chicken stock
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15 g
Parmesan cheese, grated
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½
Lemon, zest and juice
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½ tsp
Salt
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Freshly ground pepper
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
For the orzo to cook properly, it needs a consistent amount of liquid throughout the cooking time. The heat in the oven makes the orzo absorb the stock quite quickly, so it helps to keep an eye on it as it cooks. Look for any areas that appear dry on the surface or around the edges. If you notice this happening, add extra chicken stock, about 50-75 ml at a time, and stir to ensure the liquid spreads evenly.
FAQ: Questions about chicken orzo bake
If you are curious about prep, storage, or making chicken orzo bake in advance, you will find all the answers just below.
What is orzo?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta often used in baked meals, salads, and soups. It softens quickly in liquid and holds its shape well, which makes it suitable for oven cooking.
Can I make chicken orzo bake in advance?
Yes, you can make chicken orzo bake in advance, but it does require a little planning to ensure the texture remains spot-on. Orzo absorbs liquid as it sits, which means the bake thickens and the pasta softens too much if it is fully prepared ahead of time. The best approach is to assemble all the other ingredients in the ovenproof dish, keep it covered in the fridge, and only add the orzo and stock just before baking.
How should I store leftover chicken orzo bake?
Once cooled, store your leftover chicken orzo bake in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, the dish may seem a little thick; in this case, stir in a splash of chicken stock to loosen the texture. Warm it gently in the oven or on the stove until the chicken is heated through.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
465 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 5.7 g |
| Protein | 33.2 % | 38 g |
| Fat | 22.8 % | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 44 % | 50.3 g |
Make a creamy chicken orzo bake
A one-pan meal that is amazingly delicious and wonderfully creamy? Yes, please! When the chicken orzo bake goes into the oven, the orzo begins to absorb the stock and the juices from the cherry tomatoes. At the same time, the orzo releases its own starch, creating the creamiest texture throughout the dish and a smooth coating that envelops the chicken and veggies, merging everything into one perfectly unified bake. Give it a try and see for yourself how smoothly it comes together in the oven!
If you are in the mood for more oven comfort, we have a few bakes waiting for you. Try our creamy chicken and broccoli pasta bake, our vibrant Greek chicken traybake, or our comforting meatball orzo bake.
With spinach, cherry tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes
The vegetables play a significant role in this chicken orzo bake, influencing both the flavour and texture. Spinach introduces a mild, earthy flavour that blends naturally with the creamy base of the orzo, as it softens in the heat.
We have also incorporated two types of tomatoes: cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. The cherry tomatoes offer a fresh, sweet note that deepens as they heat up. In comparison, sun-dried tomatoes are far more intense, with a concentrated, tangy flavour and a deeper tomato tone. They retain their firmness when cooked and provide a pleasant bite throughout the bake.
A cheesy finish with a citrus twist
The highlight of this chicken orzo bake is the melted white cheese and Parmesan topping, which becomes golden and bubbly. The white cheese melts into a soft, creamy layer with a gentle tang that spreads across the surface. The Parmesan behaves differently, turning deeper and nuttier as it bakes, helping the top form that desirable golden crust and creating an excellent contrast to the creaminess underneath.
A sprinkle of lemon zest finishes the bake with a lovely citrus aroma that spreads across the surface and touches both cheeses at once. It softens the mild tang of the white cheese and lifts the deeper tone of the Parmesan, giving the top a refreshing, fragrant brightness.
Get creative with your chicken orzo bake
You can shape this chicken orzo bake recipe in many directions. So why not start with the seasonings? For example, paprika introduces a nice warmth, oregano is slightly peppery and complements the thyme, while garlic powder adds a roasted sweetness.
Extra vegetables also fit in naturally, and the way you prepare them shapes both the texture and the flavour of the meal. Thin slices of courgette soften into silky pieces, their light sweetness evident. Or go for mushrooms, but slice them thinly so they release their moisture slowly, leaving small, tender pieces with a deeper, earthy note. For an even easier addition, peas can simply be thrown in as they are. They will result in small, sweet pops that brighten the chicken and orzo bake.
The cheese topping is open to all sorts of swaps, and you can mix and match them as you like. Replace the original cheeses completely, use a single new cheese, or combine a few to create your own blend. For instance, mozzarella melts into a soft, stretchy layer with a light milky sweetness, goat’s cheese offers a crumbly texture with a gentle tang that softens as it warms, and pecorino bakes into a firmer top with a salty and nutty undertone.
