Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy and comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and delicate orzo pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this recipe is quick, nutritious, kid-friendly, and easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Protein
- Boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Pasta & Vegetables
- Orzo pasta
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Garlic (chopped)
- Onion (chopped)
Dairy & Liquids
- Shredded cheese blend (cheddar and mozzarella)
- Heavy cream or milk
- Chicken broth
Fats & Seasonings
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add chopped garlic and onions. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, roughly 8-10 minutes.
- Add Broccoli and Cream: Stir in fresh broccoli florets directly into the orzo mixture and pour in the heavy cream or milk. Cover and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and good-quality cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender but slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
- Toast the orzo before cooking to bring out nutty notes and a richer taste.
- Add cream at the end to help the cheese melt smoothly without curdling.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes off the heat to thicken and develop flavors before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, one-pot meal, creamy chicken orzo, quick chicken dinner, kid-friendly recipe, comfort food, healthy dinner
