Sheet Pan Chicken Orzo Bake
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
656 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Greek
Sheet Pan Chicken Orzo Bake
Description
This recipe features ground chicken meatballs blended with fresh basil, crumbled feta, garlic, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, and an array of seasonings including garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper. The meatballs are shaped and baked in an oiled baking dish at 400°F for eight minutes. Meanwhile, a cherry tomato salad with chopped green olives, olive oil, salt, and pepper is prepared to accompany the dish. After partially baking the meatballs, the recipe involves mixing chicken stock paste with hot water, then adding this liquid to the baking dish along with dried orzo pasta and spices. The orzo cooks in the oven alongside the meatballs, absorbing flavors and moisture. Subsequently, light cream, grated zucchini, chopped onion, and grated Parmesan cheese are stirred in before finishing the bake.
The result is a cohesive casserole combining juicy meatballs, creamy orzo pasta with subtle spice and vegetable boosts, and a bright salad topping for contrast. It is designed to be an easy, family-friendly meal that can also be prepared in advance for lunches. The sheet pan method simplifies cleanup and allows flavors to meld during the bake.
The recipe notes suggest this dish is suitable for weeknight dinners or meal prep and references a related chicken and feta baked meatballs recipe for variety.
Ingredients
For the cherry tomato salad topping
- 1 cup cherry tomato halved
- 1/2 cup green olives chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ground
For the chicken meatballs
- 450 g ground chicken 1 lb
- 1/4 cup basil fresh, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- zest lemon of one
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the orzo
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 cup orzo pasta dry
- 1 tbsp chicken stock paste
- 2 1/4 cups water hot
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/3 cup onion red, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup light cream 10% fat
- 1 cup zucchini grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Add 2 tbsp olive oil a 9x13 baking dish and spread it around the bottom of the dish. Set aside.
- Make the cherry tomato salad by combining the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green olives, olive oil, salt and pepper into a medium sized bowl. Gently mix together and set aside.
- Prepare the meatballs - Mix together the ground chicken, chopped basil, crumbled feta cheese, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and olive oil. Once combined, scoop about 2 tbsp at a time and form into meatballs - you’ll get 12-14 meatballs. Place each meatball into the oiled baking dish.
- Bake the meatballs for 8 minutes and then remove from the oven.
- In a mixing bowl mix together the chicken stock paste with the hot water. Stir until fully combined.
- After 8 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven, toss the meatballs around the dish a bit and then add the orzo, hot water mixture, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes and red onion. Gently stir to combine everything in the baking dish.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the orzo is al dente.
- Remove from the oven and stir in the cream, zucchini and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 5 more minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the orzo is creamy.
- Serve in bowls topped with the cherry tomato and olive salad.
Notes
- This dish works well for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep lunches.
- The combination of baked meatballs and orzo in one pan simplifies cooking and cleanup.
- The fresh cherry tomato and olive salad topping adds brightness to the baked components.
- Adding cream and grated zucchini enriches the orzo texture and flavor.
- Prepare meatballs evenly sized for uniform cooking in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 656 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 656kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 36.4g | 12% |
| Protein | 36.5g | 73% |
| Fat | 41.6g | 64% |
| Saturated Fat | 13.3g | 67% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7g | 28% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 21.2g | 106% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 183.8mg | 61% |
| Fiber | 3.4g | 14% |
| Sugar | 4.9g | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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