Hen Orzo Bake (A One Dish Bake!)

Make this Hen Orzo Bake if you want an simple household dinner quick! Made with juicy hen, recent broccoli, tender orzo, and loads of melty cheese, this creamy casserole is baked in one dish for simple clean-up.

plated Chicken Orzo Bake with dish full in the back

Holly’s Recipe Spotlights: Hen Orzo Bake

Taste: A wealthy, garlic-herb cream sauce is tossed with tender orzo, juicy hen, and bite-sized broccoli. It’s a traditional consolation casserole completed with a layer of cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Why Make It: Every part cooks proper in a single baking dish with easy elements you probably have already got readily available, so it’s excellent for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Instruments: All you want are a baking dish with a tight-fitting lid, or aluminum foil to cowl it.
Serving: This family-sized casserole is a full meal by itself, but additionally scrumptious served with a fresh summer salad and homemade garlic bread or fluffy dinner rolls to absorb the sauce.

Complete Time: 1 Hour Servings: 8 Cooking Methodology: Baked Casserole

Ingredient Notes

milk , chicken , broth , orzo , broccoli , Italian seasoning , garlic powder , parmesan , cheese , salt and pepper with labels to make Chicken Orzo Bake

Orzo: Dry orzo bakes immediately within the broth and milk. Cook dinner occasions range by model, so test for doneness earlier than serving.
Hen: Use chopped, cooked hen. A rotisserie hen, leftover roast chicken, oven-baked chicken breasts, or baked chicken thighs all work effectively.
Broccoli: Contemporary bite-sized broccoli florets are simple to tuck into casseroles and prepare dinner at an excellent fee. Frozen broccoli will be added with out thawing.
Broth: Use hen broth as a substitute of water for extra taste. A low-sodium broth can be utilized if that you must management the salt on this recipe.
Milk: I like complete milk for a creamy texture that’s not too heavy. You should utilize half-fat cream for a richer style.
Seasoning: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add fast taste with out chopping or sautéing.
Cheese: The Parmesan brings a salty, nutty taste, and the cheddar is daring and tangy. Use freshly shredded cheese for the very best outcomes, however pre-shredded can be utilized.

Variations

Turkey is a superb substitute for hen! Plus it’s an effective way to make use of up that holiday turkey feast!
No recent broccoli? Sub in frozen florets; no have to thaw. You may add peas, diced bell pepper, or cauliflower for a veggie-forward dish. Spinach is a colourful possibility however ought to be added in the direction of the tip of baking so it doesn’t overcook.
Whereas I like cheddar for this recipe, you should use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or a cheddar mix.

Steam helps the pasta prepare dinner evenly, so you should definitely cowl the baking dish tightly with both a lid or foil.
Give it a delicate stir after the primary bake to launch any orzo caught within the corners and test that it’s cooking evenly.
Don’t be stunned to see a bit of additional liquid after the bake time. As soon as the cheese is added and it rests, it would thicken up and turn into creamy.
If it thickens an excessive amount of, stir in a splash of heat broth or milk after baking.

close up of cheesy Chicken Orzo Bake in the casserole dish

Make the Most of Leftovers

Storing Leftovers:

Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as 4 days.
Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or container for as much as 3 months.

Reheating Leftovers:

Thaw the frozen casserole within the fridge in a single day earlier than reheating; simply remember that the orzo could have a softer texture.
Reheat small parts within the microwave, and bigger parts coated and warmed in a 350°F oven, till heated by.
Add a little bit of heat broth or milk to reheated leftovers if it thickens an excessive amount of.

Extra Cozy Hen Casseroles

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image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook dinner Time 35 minutes

Relaxation Time 5 minutes

Complete Time 1 hour

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Flippantly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
To the baking dish, add orzo, hen, broccoli, hen broth, milk, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper. Combine effectively.
Cowl the dish tightly with foil or a lid.
Bake for 35 minutes. Take away the foil, stir gently, and test the orzo for doneness. If wanted, cowl and bake for a further 5 to 10 minutes or till the orzo is tender (there’ll nonetheless be some further liquid within the pan).
As soon as the orzo is tender, stir within the parmesan and cheddar cheese till totally integrated. Let relaxation for five minutes earlier than serving.

Frozen broccoli can be utilized, no have to thaw first.
Orzo prepare dinner occasions range by model. If you happen to discover the orzo is just too thick after baking, stir in heat broth or milk to achieve the specified consistency.

Vitamin data supplied is an estimate and can range primarily based on cooking strategies and types of elements used.

Course Essential Course

Delicacies American

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