Chicken Orzo Casserole (Giouvetsi)

Imagine this: golden, tender chicken nestled in a rich tomato-orzo sauce, the aroma of garlic, cinnamon, and allspice filling your kitchen. That, my friend, is Giouvetsi—a classic Greek comfort dish that’s both hearty and elegant. This casserole is the perfect combination of tender meat, soft pasta, and a sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a dinner party, this dish will earn you compliments before anyone even takes a bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why Giouvetsi is a staple in Greek homes.

Recipe Origin

Giouvetsi (pronounced “yuvetsi”) is a traditional Greek baked casserole, typically made with meat and pasta in a tomato-based sauce, then finished with a generous sprinkle of cheese. It’s simple, homey, and deeply satisfying—a true taste of Greek comfort food. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and allspice adds that signature Mediterranean depth that makes this dish unforgettable.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Can opener for the tomatoes

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Why You’ll Love Chicken Orzo Casserole (Giouvetsi)

This recipe isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about creating a cozy, flavorful meal that makes everyone gather around the table. Here’s why it’s so beloved:

Versatile

Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving guests. The dish is hearty enough for family meals, yet impressive enough for special occasions.

Budget-Friendly

Uses simple pantry staples and fresh chicken—you don’t need anything fancy, yet the flavors feel luxurious.

Comforting

The slow-cooked orzo absorbs all the juices and spices, creating a warm, soul-satisfying meal.

Flavorful

Garlic, onion, bay leaf, cinnamon, and allspice blend beautifully to create a rich, aromatic sauce.

Crowd-Pleasing

Both kids and adults love it. The creamy, cheesy topping makes it a universally appealing dish.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use bone-in chicken pieces—they add more flavor to the sauce.
• Let the casserole sit a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
• Stir gently to avoid breaking up the chicken too much.
• Use freshly grated cheese for maximum flavor and a lovely finishing touch.

Ingredients in Chicken Orzo Casserole (Giouvetsi)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Main Ingredients

Olive Oil: For browning chicken and building flavor.
Chicken Quarters, Thighs, or Drumsticks: Bone-in pieces give deep flavor and juicy meat.
Orzo Pasta: Absorbs the sauce beautifully and adds a tender, comforting texture.
Canned Tomatoes: Creates a rich, slightly sweet base for the sauce.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds depth.
Onion: Minced for subtle sweetness and aromatics.
Garlic: Adds warmth and pungency, perfectly balancing the sauce.
Bay Leaf: Infuses a gentle herbal note.
Allspice: Warm and fragrant, adding that classic Mediterranean hint.
Cinnamon: A pinch elevates the sauce with subtle warmth.
Hot Water or Stock: Chicken or vegetable stock deepens the flavor.
Freshly Ground Pepper: Season to taste for balance.
Kefalotyri or Pecorino Cheese: For grating on top before serving—melty, salty, irresistible.

Instructions

Let’s bring this delicious Greek casserole to life:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure even cooking.

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season lightly. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe casserole dish and brown the chicken on all sides until golden. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics: In the same dish, sauté minced onion and garlic until fragrant and soft. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute to develop the flavors.

Combine Ingredients: Add canned tomatoes, bay leaf, allspice, cinnamon, and hot water or stock. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return chicken to the dish, making sure it’s partially submerged in the sauce.

Add Orzo: Sprinkle orzo pasta evenly around the chicken. Stir gently to combine with the sauce, making sure the pasta is mostly covered by liquid.

Cook to Perfection: Cover the casserole and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender. Check occasionally, adding a splash of water or stock if the casserole looks dry.

Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven, discard the bay leaf, and season with freshly ground pepper. Grate Kefalotyri or Pecorino cheese over the top while hot so it melts beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, straight from the casserole dish, and watch everyone dig in with delight.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approx. 450–500 (depending on chicken cut)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Chicken Orzo Casserole (Giouvetsi)

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh Salad: A crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, and olives adds freshness.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed zucchini or green beans complement the casserole.
• Standalone Meal: Rich and hearty enough to serve without sides, just with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Fully cooked casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Variations to Try

• Swap chicken for lamb for a richer, gamier flavor.
• Add roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color.
• Use brown rice or whole-grain orzo for a fiber boost.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill on top before serving for added freshness.

Additional Tips

• For extra depth, add a splash of red wine to the sauce before baking.
• Bone-in chicken keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor to the orzo.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, especially the pepper and cheese.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken?
A1: Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. Bone-in adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Swap chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini, and use vegetable stock.

Q3: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A3: Yes, peel and chop them first. You may need a bit more cooking time to break them down.

Q4: How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
A4: Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in sauce before baking, and stir gently halfway through cooking.

Q5: Can I add extra spices?
A5: Absolutely! A pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika can elevate the flavors.

Q6: Can I prepare this the night before?
A6: Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Q8: Can this be frozen?
A8: Yes, the fully cooked casserole freezes well. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q9: Can I use other cheeses?
A9: Pecorino Romano or Parmesan can be used if Kefalotyri isn’t available.

Q10: Can I make this gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or rice.

Conclusion

Chicken Orzo Casserole (Giouvetsi) is the kind of meal that brings people together. It’s hearty, aromatic, and comforting, yet simple enough to make any day feel special. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and aromatic tomato sauce with warm spices create a dish that’s truly unforgettable.

Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this classic Greek casserole—it’s comfort food at its finest.

See how to make chicken orzo casserole (Giouvetsi) in this step-by-step video: