If you have been searching for a cozy, comforting meal that never fails to satisfy, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a marvelous blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and creamy, cheesy orzo pasta all coming together in one skillet for an easy dinner that feels like a warm hug. The combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan gives it just the right amount of cheesy goodness without overwhelming the fresh flavors. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for busy days, this dish hits the spot every time with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the hearty chicken and vibrant broccoli to the cheesy blend that brings everything together with a silky texture and rich flavor.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: Small and tender, orzo cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy bites.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the recipe.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the cheese richness.
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Bright green florets add crunch, color, and nutrition.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the creamy base and infuses the orzo with flavor.
- ½ cup milk: Makes the dish dreamily creamy and smooth.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For bold, melty cheesy flavor that’s the star of the dish.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch to elevate the taste.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Rounds out the texture with richness and shine.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbal garnish that brightens the final presentation.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan warms, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and cook it for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pieces brown beautifully and cook all the way through. This step builds the base flavor and ensures every bite of chicken is juicy and tender.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
After the chicken is nearly cooked, stir in the orzo pasta. This is a simple but important step because lightly toasting the orzo for 1 to 2 minutes deepens its nutty flavor, adding another layer of deliciousness to the final dish.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 8 minutes. During this time, the orzo will cook gently and absorb all the savory broth, softening perfectly without becoming mushy.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and cover again. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender and the orzo is cooked through. This keeps the broccoli fresh and bright while blending seamlessly into the creamy texture of the dish.
Step 5: Add Dairy and Finish
Finally, stir in the milk, sharp cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Keep stirring until all the cheese melts and the mixture turns luxuriously creamy. This step transforms the dish into a cheesy masterpiece you’ll want to dive into right away.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top is a wonderful way to add a pop of color and a gentle herbal note. If you like a little extra zing, a light dusting of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This one-pan meal stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables adds welcome contrast in texture and freshness. Crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style straight from the skillet for a casual gathering. For a more elegant presentation, spoon portions into warm bowls, garnishing each with parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. It also works beautifully as a hearty filling for stuffed bell peppers if you want to get creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible, though cheese-based recipes can sometimes change texture after thawing. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain that perfect cheesy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add vegetables like spinach, peas, or cauliflower to keep things interesting and tailor the dish to your preferences.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Just stir it in with the broccoli and allow it to warm through instead of cooking raw chicken.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and a cheesy, comforting meal.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar and Parmesan create a nice balance of bold and nutty flavors. You can experiment with mozzarella for a milder, stretchy texture but be aware it changes the taste profile slightly.
How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?
Keep a close eye on the cooking time and use low heat during simmering. Also, avoid stirring too vigorously once the broth is added to prevent breaking down the orzo.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something simple, hearty, and utterly comforting. It’s balanced, full of flavor, and easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner to keep coming back to again and again.
Print
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and tender orzo pasta are cooked together in a flavorful chicken broth, finished with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses for a rich, cheesy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy, wholesome dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Pantry Items
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Toast the orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the orzo, enhancing its flavor.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 8 minutes.
- Add broccoli and cook: After 8 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover again and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked through.
- Make it cheesy and creamy: Stir in the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter into the skillet mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the dish becomes creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the cheesy chicken broccoli orzo warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Substitute: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for a quicker preparation by stirring it in with the broccoli.
- Richer sauce: Use whole milk or add a splash of cream for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Broccoli alternatives: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets both work well in this recipe.
