Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy & Cheesy – Loaded with sharp cheddar cheese for ultimate comfort.
- Nutritious – Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccoli.
- Kid-Friendly – The cheesy goodness makes it a hit with kids.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3-4 chicken thighs), diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in the cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Use Different Cheese: Try mozzarella or gouda for a different cheesy flavor.
- Go Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in peas, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Make It Creamier: Add a splash of heavy cream for an extra rich sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
How can I prevent the orzo from sticking together?
Stir the orzo frequently while it cooks and ensure there's enough liquid in the pan.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great in this recipe.
What can I substitute for orzo?
You can use small pasta like ditalini, couscous, or even rice.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just add it a couple of minutes earlier to ensure it cooks through.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or cooked rice.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but the orzo may absorb more liquid as it sits. Add extra broth when reheating.
What type of cheddar works best?
Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but mild or white cheddar works too.
Can I add a crunchy topping?
Yes! Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before serving.
How can I make this a complete meal?
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the chicken first, then add orzo, broth, and seasonings. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then stir in cheese and broccoli.
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Chicken is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and hearty. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to meal for busy nights. Whether you enjoy it fresh or as leftovers, this dish is sure to satisfy!
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting one-pan meal that's ready in just 30 minutes! Packed with tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and fresh broccoli in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It's kid-friendly, nutritious, and easy to make ahead.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3-4 chicken thighs), diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in the cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Use Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Go Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in peas, carrots, or spinach.
- Make It Creamier: Add a splash of heavy cream for an extra rich texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: American
