If there’s one dish I never tire of making, it’s this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. It combines tender bites of chicken, bright green broccoli, and little pearls of orzo pasta all enveloped in a lusciously creamy cheese sauce. It’s a comforting, one-pan meal that’s both easy enough for rushed weeknights and impressive enough for when you want to treat yourself to something special. I promise: after one bite, you’ll understand why this meal is always a hit at my table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is blessedly short, with each component playing an essential role in creating that irresistible cheesy comfort. These pantry and fridge staples blend together for a one-pan wonder bursting with flavor, tender textures, and vibrant color.
- Chicken breasts: Cubing boneless, skinless chicken ensures quick, even cooking and a mild flavor that soaks up every bit of cheesy goodness.
- Olive oil: Just a touch for sautéing the chicken to golden, juicy perfection—you can swap in butter if you prefer extra richness.
- Orzo pasta: These tiny, rice-shaped pieces deliver maximum creaminess and help soak up all those tasty juices.
- Chicken broth: Infuses every bite with savory flavor, making the orzo and chicken extra delicious.
- Milk: Creates a creamy base for the sauce, balancing out the richness from the cheese.
- Broccoli florets: Brings color, nutrition, and crunchy-tender bites that pair perfectly with all the cheesy elements.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: A duo of pantry staples that add depth and round out the flavors beautifully.
- Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning essentials to bring every ingredient to life—taste and adjust as you go!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show for meltiness, sharpness, and that glorious gooey, cheesy experience.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Just a couple tablespoons lifts the whole dish with a salty-savory punch and nutty undertones.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a big, deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in those cubed chicken breasts and sprinkle with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. As the chicken cooks, it should turn beautifully golden and release irresistible, savory aromas. Give it about 5–7 minutes—you want your chicken cooked through and lightly browned. Then, scoop it out of the skillet and set aside. This gives you a chance to build even more flavor in the next step!
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
In the same skillet, add your orzo right into the flavorful remnants left by the chicken. Toasting the orzo for a minute or two might seem like a small step, but it adds a subtle nuttiness that deepens the whole dish. Stir frequently so those tiny orzo grains get an even, light golden hue, setting you up for super flavorful Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo.
Step 3: Simmer with Liquid
Now, pour in the chicken broth and milk, scraping up any yummy bits from the pan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the orzo cook, uncovered, for about 8–10 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently; orzo loves to stick! When the pasta is just al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Sprinkle in the broccoli florets and cover the skillet. Let everything steam for 3–4 minutes. This gets the broccoli just tender but still green and a tiny bit crisp—no mushy broccoli here! The steam from the simmering orzo cooks the broccoli gently, so it retains its pretty color and lots of nutrients.
Step 5: Stir in Chicken and Cheese
Almost there! Return your cooked chicken (and any juices) to the pan. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts right into the sauce and everything becomes wonderfully creamy and well combined. That’s when Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo really comes to life—rich, melty, and supremely satisfying. Serve it warm, straight from the pan!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Garnishes
This dish is a canvas for your favorite finishing touches. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or sharp cheddar on top brings out the cheese factor even more. A few cracks of fresh black pepper or a scattering of finely chopped parsley or chives add color and freshness. If you like a little zing, try a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to wake up the whole pan.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is delicious all by itself, but if you want to round out the meal, keep it simple. Warm, crusty bread is always a winner for scooping up any leftover sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, or roasted veggies like asparagus or bell peppers add variety and color. For heartier appetites, consider pairing with a cup of your favorite soup to make it a complete comfort feast.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to stick with skillet-to-table! For a fun twist, spoon your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo into individual ramekins, top with a little extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden. Or serve it as a creamy filling in roasted bell pepper halves for a playful presentation that’s also packed with even more veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo left (a big if!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making those leftovers extra satisfying for lunches or a quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo freezes well for future cravings. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure it’s cooled completely before sealing. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth while reheating to loosen things up and restore that silky, creamy texture. Stir often so the cheese melts beautifully and nothing dries out.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just skip the sautéing step and stir the cooked chicken in at the end with the cheese. It’s a fantastic way to save time while still enjoying all the flavors of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute gluten-free orzo or a similar small gluten-free pasta. Just be aware that cook times and liquid absorption may vary, so check for doneness and adjust with a bit more broth or milk as needed.
What type Main Course
Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are my favorites for rich, tangy flavor and meltability, but you can experiment! Try mozzarella for extra gooeyness or a blend of cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Swiss for a new twist on Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo.
How can I add extra vegetables?
There’s plenty of room for more veggies. Add diced red bell pepper, peas, or baby spinach along with or instead of the broccoli. Be mindful of each vegetable’s cook time—add quicker-cooking veggies in the final few minutes for best texture and color.
Can I make this dish in advance for meal prep?
Yes! Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is meal-prep friendly and reheats beautifully. Store in single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick family dinners throughout the week. Just add a tablespoon or two of milk or broth before reheating to keep everything luscious and creamy.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo a try in your own kitchen. With its comforting flavors, creamy texture, and one-pan simplicity, it’s destined to become a regular on your weeknight menu. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this recipe always brings big smiles—and happy, satisfied bellies!
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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Tender chicken, broccoli, and orzo pasta come together in a creamy, cheesy sauce that will satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Broccoli and Cheese: Stir in the broccoli florets, cover, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until broccoli is tender. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add shredded cheddar and Parmesan. Stir until cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Serve: Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
