Chicken Orzo Bake

There’s something deeply comforting about a meal that comes together in a single pan—especially when it’s packed with creamy pasta, tender chicken, and loads of flavor. This Chicken Orzo Bake is everything a weeknight dinner should be: easy, satisfying, and made with real, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder delivers a restaurant-quality meal right from your home oven.

Perfectly seared chicken, creamy orzo pasta, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all come together in a rich Parmesan-infused sauce that bakes to golden perfection. And the best part? Minimal cleanup, no complicated steps, and flexibility to customize it your way. Let’s explore why this dish belongs in your regular rotation.

Key Benefits

Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s take a moment to highlight what makes this dish so special. These benefits are the reason why this bake is more than just a dinner—it’s a smart, flavorful, and feel-good choice for any night of the week.

1. One-Pan Convenience

This Chicken Orzo Bake saves time without sacrificing flavor. Everything—from searing to baking—happens in one oven-safe skillet, which means fewer dishes, quicker cleanup, and less kitchen stress.

2. Creamy and Flavorful

Thanks to a blend of garlic, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream, each bite is creamy, savory, and bursting with umami. The orzo soaks up every ounce of the sauce, creating a dish that tastes far more indulgent than it actually is.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish stores and reheats beautifully. Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got a comforting, protein-packed meal for lunch or dinner that still tastes fresh days later. It’s ideal for busy families or anyone trying to simplify their week.

4. Packed with Protein and Nutrients

Chicken provides lean protein, while spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s a meal that nourishes without feeling heavy—just the right balance for health-conscious eaters.

5. Customizable and Family-Friendly

This bake is endlessly adaptable. Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or kale, swap the protein for shrimp or tofu, or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste. It’s a dish everyone at the table will love.

6. Comforting Yet Light

Unlike many creamy pasta dishes, this bake manages to feel light without losing its comfort-food appeal. The lemon juice brightens everything up, keeping the flavors fresh and balanced.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy Chicken Orzo Bake to life. Use this as your shopping list or pantry check.

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Thighs are richer and more tender, while breasts are a leaner option.
  
• 1 tsp salt – To season and enhance overall flavor.
  
• ½ tsp black pepper – For mild heat and balance.
  
• 1 tsp paprika – Adds warmth and subtle smokiness.
  
• ½ tsp dried oregano – Brings depth and classic Mediterranean flair.
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For searing and locking in flavor.
  

For the Orzo Bake:

• 1 cup orzo pasta – The perfect pasta to absorb all that creamy sauce.
  
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter – Helps toast the orzo for a rich, nutty layer of flavor.
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – The aromatic foundation of this dish.
  
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – For a mild, warming kick.
  
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Tangy, slightly sweet, and full of texture.
  
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Keeps everything moist and flavorful.
  
• ½ cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce ultra-silky.
  
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty richness that melts beautifully.
  
• 2 cups fresh spinach – Wilts perfectly into the dish and brings color and nutrients.
  
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens and balances the richness.
  

For Garnish (Optional but Recommended):

• Extra grated Parmesan – For extra cheesiness.
  
• Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds freshness and color contrast.
  
• Lemon zest – Brings out the citrus undertone in every bite.
  

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step directions for a dinner that looks impressive and tastes even better.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven so you can go straight from stovetop to oven without switching pans.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it through—just get a nice crust. Then remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and aromatic. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 30 seconds. Then add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these bits are flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, then let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Gently nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet on top of the orzo mixture. Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Finish

Remove from the oven and stir in the fresh spinach and lemon juice. The heat will wilt the spinach in just a minute or two. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes so everything can settle and thicken slightly.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Top with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon zest. Serve warm straight from the pan for a rustic, cozy meal that everyone will love.

Pro Tips and Variations

Take your Chicken Orzo Bake to the next level with these expert tips and creative ideas.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Orzo Bake

• Sear Well: Get a golden crust on the chicken—it builds flavor fast.
  
• Toast the Orzo: That little step adds a big boost of nuttiness.
  
• Use Fresh Lemon and Cheese: The fresher the ingredients, the more vibrant the flavor.
  
• Let It Rest: A few minutes out of the oven helps the orzo thicken perfectly.
  

Variations to Try

• Swap the Protein: Use rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or turkey for different takes.
  
• Make it Extra Creamy: Stir in cream cheese or a little mozzarella.
  
• Boost the Veggies: Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
  
• Add Spice: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika deepens the flavor.
  
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or replace with cooked rice or quinoa.
  
• Lemon-Garlic Twist: Add more lemon juice and double the garlic.
  
• Tuscan-Style: Add extra sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for Italian flair.
  

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Chicken Orzo Bake with the perfect sides and sips for a well-rounded meal.

Best Side Dishes

• Green Salad: Try a lemon arugula or classic Caesar salad.
  
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
  
• Roasted Veggies: Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans work beautifully.
  

Garnishes to Enhance Flavor

• Fresh Herbs: Add chopped basil, parsley, or thyme.
  
• Extra Cheese: Feta or Parmesan sprinkled on top adds a finishing touch.
  
• Lemon Zest or Chili Flakes: Customize to taste.
  

Beverage Pairings

• Lemon Water or Herbal Tea: Keep it light and refreshing.
  
• Sparkling Water with Citrus: Adds a festive feel.
  
• Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio: For wine lovers, these white wines pair well.
  

Chicken Orzo Bake

Try this delicious and creamy chicken orzo bake – a cozy one-pan meal made with juicy chicken and flavorful orzo, perfect for an easy dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• About 1.5 lbs of chicken (thighs for more flavor or breasts for a leaner option)
• 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper for seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika for a smoky touch
• ½ tsp dried oregano for a herby aroma
• 1 tbsp olive oil to sear the chicken and seal in flavor

For the Orzo Base:

• 1 cup orzo pasta (it looks like rice and soaks up flavor well)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter to lightly toast the orzo
• 3 garlic cloves (minced) for depth
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) for mild heat
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweet-tangy flavor
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth to cook everything nicely
• ½ cup heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture
• ½ cup grated Parmesan for cheesy goodness
• 2 cups fresh spinach for color and nutrition
• 1 tbsp lemon juice for a fresh, zesty finish

Optional Toppings:

• More Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a little lemon zest to brighten things up

Instructions

 

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready while you prep everything else.

2. Prep and Sear the Chicken

• Dry the chicken with paper towels so it browns better. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Heat oil in an oven-safe pan, sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked—just set it aside once browned.

3. Toast the Orzo

• Using the same pan, melt some butter. Add the orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring until it smells nutty. Stir in garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

4. Make the Sauce

• Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pan to lift all that flavor. Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the orzo starts soaking up the liquid.

5. Combine and Bake

• Place the chicken back into the pan, pressing it gently into the orzo mix. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F or 75°C) and the orzo is tender.

6. Add Spinach and Finish

• Once baked, remove the cover and stir in spinach and a splash of lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes so everything blends together nicely.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Top with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, and some lemon zest. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 36g
• Vitamin A: 15% DV
• Vitamin C: 6% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

Keyword baked chicken, Chicken orzo bake, creamy chicken orzo, one-pan meal

Conclusion

This Chicken Orzo Bake combines the best of cozy comfort food and fresh, vibrant flavor. It’s creamy without being heavy, nourishing without being bland, and elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight.

With its one-pan simplicity, flexible ingredients, and unforgettable taste, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll be making it again and again.

FAQs

How to bake orzo?

Bake orzo by combining it with liquid and ingredients in an oven-safe dish. Cover and bake until tender and creamy.

Is orzo healthier than rice?

Orzo, made from durum wheat, has more protein and fiber than white rice but both can be healthy depending on your diet.

Can I replace orzo with rice?

Yes—short-grain rice works, but may need more liquid. Expect a slightly different texture.

How to cook orzo and chicken?

Sear chicken first, then cook orzo in broth and combine both to finish in the oven or stovetop.

How to make orzo tasty?

Toast it, cook in broth, and add garlic, herbs, or cheese for max flavor.

Can you reheat chicken orzo?

Yes. Add a splash of broth and gently reheat on the stove or microwave. Cover to retain moisture.