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
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof pot or casserole over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the minced onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, allspice, and cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes.
- Return the chicken to the pot and add hot water or stock. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and adjust seasoning with pepper.
- 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.
- 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