Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 50 minutes

This comforting casserole is made with tender orzo pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy spinach artichoke dip topping. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, it's easy to prepare and sure to please everyone!

Ingredients (Makes 5 servings)

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup spinach artichoke dip (or more to taste)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Lightly spray a 12x8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In the prepared casserole dish, add the orzo pasta. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the pasta is well-covered.

Step 3: Stir in the spinach artichoke dip, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Season the cubed chicken with salt and Italian seasoning. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the pasta mixture in the casserole dish.

Step 5: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through (use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165F/74C).

Step 6: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and uncover it. Sprinkle the top evenly with panko breadcrumbs, shredded mozzarella cheese, and everything bagel seasoning.

Step 7: Set your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler. Place the casserole back in the oven under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	314
Total Fat	12g	16%
Saturated Fat	4g	21%
Cholesterol	94mg	31%
Sodium	700mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	18g	6%
Dietary Fiber	1g	5%
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	32g	64%
Vitamin C	2mg	2%
Calcium	93mg	7%
Iron	2mg	12%
Potassium	346mg	7%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Casserole

The Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Casserole is a modern twist on classic American comfort food. Its roots can be traced to the rise of the everything bagel in the 1980s, a New York City invention that combined poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and salt into a single, bold-flavored seasoning. Home cooks began experimenting with this seasoning beyond traditional bagels, eventually incorporating it into casseroles, chicken dishes, and other baked meals. The dish we know today blends creamy spinach artichoke dip, tender chicken, and orzo pasta, crowned with a crisp bagel-spiced topping.

Regional Variations

While this casserole is widely enjoyed across the United States, its preparation often reflects regional tastes. In the Northeast, cooks might favor a heavier hand with the everything bagel seasoning and add sharp cheeses, reflecting the New York bagel influence. In Southern kitchens, you may find extra vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers incorporated for color and texture, while West Coast adaptations sometimes substitute quinoa or brown rice for orzo to create a lighter, health-conscious version. Despite these regional tweaks, the core combination of seasoned chicken, creamy base, and crispy topping remains consistent.

How It Stands Out from Similar Dishes

This casserole differs from traditional chicken casseroles in its use of everything bagel seasoning, which provides a uniquely aromatic and savory flavor profile. Unlike a standard chicken and rice bake or a cheesy broccoli chicken casserole, the mix of sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion creates a layered crunch and taste that is instantly recognizable. Additionally, the incorporation of spinach artichoke dip adds both creaminess and a tangy undertone, setting it apart from simpler cream-based casseroles.

Typical Serving Context

Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Casserole is versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. Its a popular choice for casual family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings where comfort food is appreciated. Often paired with a fresh green salad or garlic bread, it is served hot from the oven to maintain the crisp topping. Some home cooks also enjoy smaller portions as part of a brunch spread, highlighting the bagel-inspired flavors.

Interesting Facts

• The everything seasoning used in this casserole was reportedly created by combining leftover bagel toppings, turning a simple snack into a culinary icon.
• Modern variations of the casserole often include ingredients like artichoke hearts, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes, demonstrating the dishs adaptability.
• Its popularity has surged on social media, with food bloggers sharing hacks like using rotisserie chicken or adding extra bagel seasoning for an intensified flavor.
• Despite its New York origins, this casserole has become a nationwide comfort food, celebrated for combining convenience, flavor, and a crunchy topping in a single dish.

FAQ about Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Casserole Recipe

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