Monique Arnold
@epicureepicuremon
Bruschetta Chicken Orzo Casserole
A delicious and hearty casserole combining tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh tomatoes, topped with melted mozzarella and drizzled with pesto and balsamic glaze. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends!
Details
- Cuisine:italian
- Meal Type:dinner
- Difficulty:hard
- Estimated Cost:N/A
- Ingredients:15
- Views:5
Recipe Information
- Prep time25 min.
- Cook time1 min.
- Total time26 min.
- Servings4
Ingredients
- as needed
- 1 cup
- 1 cup
- 4 tablespoons
- 4 cloves
- 3/4 teaspoon
- 1/4 teaspoon
- 2 cups
- 1 pound
- 1 teaspoon
- 1/4 teaspoon
- 1 cup
- 1/4 cup
- 1/4 cup
- 2 tablespoons
Cooking Instructions
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Bruschetta Chicken Orzo Casserole.
Step 1
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).
Step 2
While it warms up, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a light coat of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3
Next, evenly spread uncooked orzo across the bottom of the dish, creating a lovely base for your meal.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth, then add 2 tablespoons of melted butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
Step 5
Give everything a good stir to combine, and then artfully layer halved cherry tomatoes on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Step 6
Now, let’s prepare the chicken.
Step 7
Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board.
Step 8
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the chicken, and season it generously with Italian seasoning, a touch of salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Step 9
Arrange the seasoned chicken over the vibrant tomatoes in the baking dish, and cover it all with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
Step 10
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes.
Step 11
You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, reaching an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Step 12
Once it’s done, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
Step 13
Pop it back in the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Step 14
When it’s time to serve, drizzle each portion with fresh basil pesto and a touch of balsamic glaze for that extra zing.
Step 15
Don’t forget to garnish with sliced fresh basil for a delightful finish.
Step 16
Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!.