Description

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, one-pan comfort dish loaded with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta coated in melted cheese. It’s a quick and hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights, combining simple ingredients into a satisfying and nourishing dinner. The orzo cooks directly in the skillet, soaking up flavor and creating a rich, risotto-like texture without the effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 cups chopped broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
Add the chopped broccoli and stir. Cover and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If needed, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the mixture.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute rotisserie or leftover chicken to make this dish even faster.
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce.
This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers, though you may want to add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back its creamy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Brunch
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 120mg