Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole Recipe
-
The bright lemon and caper flavors of piccata are baked into a comforting casserole—familiar but elevated.
-
One-dish simplicity: most of it bakes as everything combines in the casserole dish.
-
Creamy orzo acts like a risotto but with less hands-on time.
-
Crowd-pleasing and family friendly—ideal for weeknight or casual dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup capers
8 ounces orzo
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, sliced into cutlets
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons butter
1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
-
Combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers in a bowl.
-
Add the uncooked orzo to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the soup mixture over the orzo and stir to combine.
-
Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly on top of the orzo mixture. Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Top the chicken with Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, butter, and lemon slices. Cover the dish with foil.
-
Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the topping is golden brown.
-
Garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon slices before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 to 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
-
Use half chicken breasts and half boneless skinless thighs for added flavor.
-
Substitute cream of mushroom soup for a milder profile.
-
Use whole wheat orzo or a small pasta shape to boost nutrition.
-
Stir in fresh spinach or peas before baking for more veggies.
-
Sprinkle lemon zest on top before serving for added brightness.
Storage/Reheating
-
To store: Cool completely, then cover or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
-
To reheat: Bake covered at 350 °F (175 °C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions on medium for 1–2 minutes.
-
For extra crunch, sprinkle fresh breadcrumbs or Parmesan and broil for 1–2 minutes before serving.
FAQs
What type of orzo should I buy?
Standard rice-shaped orzo pasta works best. It cooks evenly in the oven without needing to boil first.
Can I use frozen chicken or leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, but reduce cooking time if using pre-cooked chicken. The orzo still needs the full time to absorb liquid.
Is this recipe very lemony?
Yes, it has a bold lemon flavor from the juice and slices. You can reduce the lemon juice slightly for a milder citrus profile.
Can I make this ahead of time and bake later?
Yes. Assemble the casserole without adding the breadcrumbs and butter. Cover and refrigerate. Add toppings just before baking.
Can I use gluten-free pasta or breadcrumbs?
Yes, gluten-free orzo and gluten-free panko work well for this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165 °F (74 °C). The juices should run clear, and the chicken should no longer be pink.
Can I make smaller or larger batches?
Absolutely. Scale ingredient amounts accordingly. Adjust baking time if using a smaller or deeper dish.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread pairs nicely to balance the richness.
Is it possible to reduce calories/fat in this dish?
Yes. Use reduced-fat cheese, light soup, and less butter. You can also skip the breadcrumb topping for a lighter dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
This casserole freezes fairly well. Let it cool completely, then freeze individual portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
The Easy Chicken Piccata Orzo Casserole is a comforting, lemony twist on a classic Italian favorite. With creamy orzo, tender chicken, and a crunchy topping, it delivers big flavor in a simple, oven-baked format. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or prepping leftovers for the week, this casserole is sure to become a repeat favorite.
