One-Pan Orzo Chicken Bake

This easy One-Pan Orzo Chicken Bake is the perfect holiday weeknight dinner! Made with leftover chicken, spinach, orzo, and three types of cheese, it’s creamy, comforting, and quick to whip up with ingredients you already have in your fridge.

It’s that time of year when life gets busier by the second. Between holiday shopping, hosting friends and family, and keeping up with everyday responsibilities, the thought of making dinner can feel… overwhelming. That’s why I’m all about easy wins in the kitchen, and this One-Pan Orzo Chicken Bake is the perfect solution for when you need something hearty, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.

Let’s be honest: the holidays are magical, but they’re also chaotic. This recipe is my way of saying, “Take a breath; dinner doesn’t have to be complicated.” It’s one dish, one bake, and—most importantly—minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep: No fancy steps or techniques here. Just chop, mix, and bake.
• Fridge-Friendly: This dish is a holiday hero because it uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand—leftover chicken, fresh spinach, and cheese galore.
• Comfort Food Goals: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this bake is like a warm hug on a cold winter evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup uncooked orzo – The star of the show! It cooks perfectly in the oven, soaking up all those rich flavors.
• 1 cup chicken stock – Adds depth and keeps the orzo tender.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – Because the holidays deserve a little indulgence.
• 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped – Use what you’ve got! Leftover roasted thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken work beautifully.
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese – For that gooey, melty goodness.
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta – Brings a tangy, salty kick that balances the creaminess.
• Parmesan cheese – Optional, but if you’re like me, more cheese is always a good idea.
• 1 cup chopped spinach – Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper – For sweetness and a pop of color.
• Salt and pepper & chicken boullion to taste – You already know.
• Drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil – Brightens everything up with just a hint of citrus.

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven: Set it to 375°F.
2. Mix it all together: In a baking dish, combine the uncooked orzo, chicken stock, heavy cream, chicken, cheeses, spinach, bell pepper, and season with salt and pepper. Don’t forget that drizzle of lemon olive oil for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Bake uncovered: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the top is bubbling.
4. Broil to golden perfection: Switch to broil for 2 minutes to get that beautiful golden-brown crust.
5. Rest and serve: Let it stand for 10 minutes before giving it a quick mix and serving it up.

Pro Tips

• Customize It: Swap the spinach for kale or add mushrooms if you have them on hand.
• Double It Up: Feeding a crowd? This recipe easily doubles for those surprise holiday drop-ins.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble everything in the dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time if starting from cold.

Print Pin

One-Pan Orzo Chicken Bake

This creamy, cheesy orzo chicken bake is an easy, comforting dish you can throw together in minutes. Perfect for busy days or when you need to use up leftovers.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 4 servings

Author natasha

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup uncooked orzo
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cooked chicken chopped (leftover or rotisserie works well)
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Parmesan cheese optional for topping
• 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil or regular olive oil with a squeeze of lemon

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• In a medium baking dish, combine the uncooked orzo, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Stir to mix.
• Add the chopped cooked chicken, shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and chopped red bell pepper. Season with chicken bouillon powder, salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything together until well mixed.
• Drizzle a little lemon-infused olive oil over the top. If you don’t have lemon-infused oil, use regular olive oil and add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes.
• Once the orzo is tender and the top is bubbling, turn on the broiler and let it cook for about 2 minutes to get the top golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
• Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes. This helps everything set and makes it easier to serve.
• Give the mixture a quick stir before serving to distribute the creamy sauce and melted cheese.

This One-Pan Orzo Chicken Bake is your go-to when you need something satisfying and stress-free. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table without you breaking a sweat—and during the holidays, isn’t that what we all need?

Don’t Forget!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Tag me on Instagram @asiliglamcooks — I love seeing your creations!

Now go, enjoy this delicious dish and a little more holiday magic. 💕