Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole combines the bright, tangy flavors of classic chicken piccata with the comforting texture of a baked pasta dish. This delightful casserole features tender chicken, orzo pasta, zesty lemon, briny capers, and a creamy sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that promises to be a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, this casserole is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole

This dish is a culinary delight for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Second, the combination of flavors is simply divine—tangy lemon, savory chicken, and the unique texture of orzo create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Additionally, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup for you. Whether you’re looking for a Chicken Piccata Orzo Bake or a Creamy Chicken Piccata Orzo, this recipe has it all. Plus, it fits perfectly within the Italian cuisine category, and it’s gluten-free!

Ingredients for Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole

Gather these items:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)

How to Make Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in orzo, chicken broth, cream, and white wine. Bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and capers. Stir well.
6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet and mix to combine.
7. Step 7: Top with Parmesan cheese and, if desired, breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
8. Step 8: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the top is golden.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole

Keep these in mind:

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, particularly lemon and chicken.
• For a creamier sauce, add more heavy cream as desired.
• Consider adding spinach to make a Chicken Orzo Casserole with Spinach.
• Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a twist, try it as a Chicken Piccata Orzo Skillet Meal by cooking everything in a skillet and serving directly from it.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, making it perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole?

The key to perfecting this dish is balancing the flavors—ensure to add enough lemon juice and zest to brighten the dish, and don’t skip the capers for their unique saltiness.

Can I make Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to bake it.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole?

Avoid overcooking the chicken when sautéing. It should be just browned, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Also, ensure not to skip the resting time after baking.

Variations of Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole You Can Try

For a twist on this classic dish, consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to create a more nutritious meal. You can also experiment with different cheeses or herbs to adjust the flavors according to your preference.

For more information on the health benefits of lemon, check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in exploring more Italian recipes, visit our recipe category for inspiration. Don’t forget to try our homemade tomato sauce to complement your casserole!

Delicious Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole Recipe

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Easy Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole combines the bright, tangy flavors of classic chicken piccata with the comforting texture of a baked pasta dish. It features tender chicken, orzo pasta, lemon, capers, and a creamy sauce baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in orzo, chicken broth, cream, and white wine. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and capers. Stir well.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and mix to combine.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese and, if desired, breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
8. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the top is golden.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg