Okay, so you know how sometimes you just need a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly Christmas Eve? That’s exactly what this Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas is all about. I remember the first time I made this, it was for a last-minute holiday get-together, and honestly, it was a lifesaver! It smells incredible while it’s baking, filling the whole house with that comforting, cheesy aroma that just screams holidays. It’s got that perfect balance of tender chicken, creamy orzo, and that little tang from the feta that just makes it sing. Trust me, this one’s going to be a new holiday tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas

Seriously, this dish is a winner for so many reasons, especially when you’re in the holiday rush!

It’s ridiculously easy to throw together – basically, you brown some stuff, dump the rest in, and bake. Way less stress!
The flavor is just divine. So rich and comforting with that creamy orzo, savory chicken, and that little salty kick from the feta. Yum!
It looks and tastes so festive, making it absolutely perfect for any holiday entertaining you’ve got planned. Your guests will be so impressed!
And the best part? It’s a total one-pot wonder! Less washing up means more time for you to actually enjoy the party.

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas

Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for this amazing Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas. It’s pretty straightforward, but the quality of your ingredients really makes a difference here:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into nice bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes)
1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (don’t worry if it’s not perfect, it all cooks down!)
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best here, trust me!)
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (that’s the little rice-shaped pasta, so good!)
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is great so you can control the saltiness)
1 cup heavy cream (this is key for that amazing creamy texture!)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (get the good stuff, it makes a difference!)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that extra cheesy layer)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for a pop of color and freshness at the end)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (season as you go!)
A little pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a tiny bit of warmth (totally optional!)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas

Sometimes you gotta swap things out, right? Here are a few ideas for this dish:

Chicken: If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, or just prefer darker meat, chicken thighs work beautifully here! They stay super moist. Just trim off any excess fat before cubing them.
Cream: For a slightly lighter dish, you can absolutely try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Just know it won’t be *quite* as lusciously creamy, but still delicious! You can even make heavy cream at home if needed.
Feta: If feta isn’t your jam, a good sharp cheddar or even some goat cheese could be interesting substitutes, though they’ll change the flavor profile a bit.
Broth: Vegetable broth works just fine if you want to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish (just skip the chicken, obviously!).

How to Prepare Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas

Okay, let’s get this festive feast made! This Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas is surprisingly simple, which is exactly what we need during the busy holidays. First things first, get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). You’ll need an oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven for this, because we’re doing most of the magic right in there.

Grab your skillet and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces and let them get a nice golden-brown sear on all sides. Don’t cook them all the way through just yet! Once they look good, scoop them out and set them aside on a plate. Now, into the same skillet, toss your chopped onion. Let it soften up for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and translucent. Then, add your minced garlic and give it a stir for just about a minute until you can smell that amazing garlicky aroma – careful not to burn it!

Next up, the orzo! Stir in those 1 1/2 cups of uncooked orzo and let it toast for a minute or two, stirring constantly. This little step really adds a nutty depth of flavor. Now, pour in your 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it all to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, add your browned chicken back into the skillet. Stir in that luscious heavy cream, the crumbled feta cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a good season with salt, pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little spicy. Bring the whole mixture back to a gentle simmer, just bubbling a little.

Now, cover that skillet tightly and carefully transfer it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the orzo to be perfectly tender and most of that liquid to be absorbed, making it nice and creamy. Once it’s done, carefully take it out of the oven. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before you serve it – this lets everything meld together and thickens up just a bit more. Finally, sprinkle that fresh chopped parsley over the top for a gorgeous finish. Easy peasy, and oh-so-delicious!

Tips for Success with Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas

Want your Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas to be absolutely perfect? Here are a few little tricks:

Don’t skip browning the chicken! It adds so much flavor and color.
Toast the orzo for a minute or two before adding the liquid. It really makes a difference in texture and taste.
Use an oven-safe skillet so you can go straight from the stovetop to the oven. Less mess, less fuss!
Let it rest for those 5 minutes after baking. It’s tempting to dive right in, but it helps the orzo absorb any remaining liquid and makes it perfectly creamy.

Variations for Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas

Feeling creative? You can totally jazz up this Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas!

Veggies: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or some frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of baking. They’ll wilt or heat through beautifully. Sun-dried tomatoes would also be amazing!
Herbs: Besides parsley, fresh dill or a little bit of chopped chives would be lovely as a garnish.
Spice: If you really love a kick, a pinch more red pepper flakes or even some finely chopped jalapeño added with the onions can be fun!
Cheese: Feel free to add a bit of shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas

This rich and creamy orzo dish is pretty much a full meal on its own, but if you’re planning a festive Christmas spread, it pairs beautifully with a few things. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good idea to cut through the richness. You could also serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up any extra creamy sauce – because you know you’ll want to! Roasted asparagus or green beans would also be a lovely, festive addition to round out the meal. It’s hearty enough to be the star, but shines even brighter with a couple of simple, fresh companions. For another great pasta dish, try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.

Storage and Reheating Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas

Got leftovers of this amazing Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas? Lucky you! Let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can pop individual portions back into the microwave for a minute or two, or reheat a larger amount gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a tiny splash of chicken broth or milk if it seems a bit thick after chilling! For more dinner ideas, check out our recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas

Got some lingering questions about whipping up this Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas? I totally get it! Let’s clear a few things up:

Can I make this Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas ahead of time?
You bet! You can totally assemble the whole dish (up to the point of baking) a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be starting cold. It’s a lifesaver for busy holiday schedules!

How do I store leftovers of this festive orzo dish?
Leftovers are the best! Let the dish cool down completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. It stays really yummy!

What are good vegetarian alternatives for this Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas?
Oh, this is easy! Just skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add some extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for heartiness. It’ll still be incredibly delicious and festive!

Can I freeze this holiday pasta bake?
You can freeze the baked and cooled dish, yes. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, or put it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. It might be a little less creamy after freezing, so a splash of milk or broth when reheating can help!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta for Christmas is an estimate, since everyone’s ingredients can vary a bit! But generally, one serving (which is about 1/5th of the recipe) comes in around 550 calories, with about 35g of protein and 45g of carbs. It’s got around 25g of fat, with about 12g of that being saturated fat, but oh boy, is it worth it for that creamy, comforting holiday goodness!

Amazing Creamy Baked Orzo with Chicken Feta

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and comforting baked orzo dish featuring tender chicken and tangy feta cheese, perfect for a festive Christmas meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Return the browned chicken to the skillet.
Stir in the heavy cream, feta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.
Cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the dish may be less creamy.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or peas in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Ensure your skillet is oven-safe for this recipe.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/5th of recipe)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: baked orzo, chicken orzo, feta orzo, creamy pasta, Christmas dinner, holiday recipe, one-pot meal