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Chicken Orzo Casserole (Giouvetsi)

Chicken Orzo Casserole (Giouvetsi)

  • Author: Charlotte
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking / Casserole
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Chicken Orzo Casserole, also known as Giouvetsi, is a comforting Greek dish featuring tender chicken baked with orzo pasta in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, spiced with allspice and cinnamon, and finished with a generous sprinkle of cheese.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Giouvetsi:

  • Olive oil, for cooking
  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken quarters, thighs, or drumsticks
  • 200 g (1 cup) orzo pasta
  • 400 g (14 oz) whole canned tomatoes
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 allspice berries or ⅔ tsp ground allspice
  • A pinch of cinnamon
  • 750 ml (3 cups) hot water or stock (chicken or vegetable)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Kefalotyri or Pecorino cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof pot or casserole over medium heat.
  3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, sauté the minced onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
  5. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, allspice, and cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes.
  6. Return the chicken to the pot and add hot water or stock. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Stir in the orzo pasta and adjust seasoning with pepper.
  8. Cover and transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle generously with grated Kefalotyri or Pecorino cheese before serving.

Notes

  • You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks for a juicier result.
  • Adjust the amount of stock depending on how saucy you like the casserole.
  • Allspice and cinnamon give a subtle warm flavor—do not omit for authentic taste.
  • Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: chicken orzo casserole, giouvetsi, Greek chicken casserole, baked orzo with chicken, Mediterranean recipe