Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy orzo pasta, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. This one-pot wonder is a perfect blend of savory, cheesy goodness and fresh, nutritious ingredients, making it an easy, satisfying meal for any occasion.
I first made this when I wanted something cheesy and comforting, but with a bit of a lighter twist. The creamy sauce, combined with the tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and soft orzo, created a dish that was both indulgent and balanced. Every bite was a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory, with just the right amount of freshness from the broccoli.
What’s great about Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is how versatile it is. You can add in extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, swap in different cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan for varied flavors, or use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Meal prepping
- Comfort food cravings
- Family-friendly meals
- Quick and easy home cooking
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo will become your go-to meal:
- One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The cheesy sauce coats every bite of orzo for ultimate comfort.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of chicken, broccoli, and cheese is both hearty and satisfying.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the broccoli.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Customizable Ingredients: Swap in different cheeses, veggies, or proteins to suit your taste.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as delicious the next day and reheats well.
- No Need for Side Dishes: A complete meal on its own with protein, carbs, and veggies.
- Comfort Food Classic: Satisfying, creamy, and cheesy—perfect for any comfort food craving.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crushed red pepper for spice
Ingredient Highlights
- Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully.
- Chicken Breast: Lean and high in protein, making the dish hearty and nutritious.
- Broccoli: Adds freshness, fiber, and a vibrant green contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly into the sauce for a rich and gooey texture.
- Garlic: Enhances the dish with its aromatic, savory depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Sauté Chicken: Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Orzo and Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Orzo: Add orzo pasta and stir to coat in the garlic and oil for about 1 minute.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Broccoli and Cheese:
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the orzo is creamy.
- Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Finish the Dish:
- Return Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra cheese before serving warm.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo:
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a fresh contrast.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for extra comfort.
- Topped with Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a nutty depth of flavor.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots or asparagus.
- As a Casserole: Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake for 10 minutes.
- With a Squeeze of Lemon: Brighten the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Paired with Soup: Serve with a light soup like tomato basil or minestrone.
- In a Wrap: Use leftovers to fill a tortilla for a creamy, cheesy wrap.
- With Extra Protein: Add crispy beef bacon bits or cooked turkey sausage for variation.
- As a Kid’s Meal: Serve with a side of apple slices or carrot sticks for a balanced meal.
Additional Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an easy, flavorful shortcut.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli – Fresh broccoli adds a slight crunch, while frozen broccoli blends in softer. Adjust based on preference.
- Toast the Orzo – Lightly toasting the orzo in butter before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor.
- Choose the Right Cheese – A mix of cheddar and Parmesan creates the perfect balance of creaminess and depth.
- Boost with Garlic – Sauté minced garlic with onions for an extra layer of savory goodness.
- Add a Splash of Cream – A touch of heavy cream or milk makes the dish even richer and more indulgent.
- Customize with Veggies – Stir in mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for added color and nutrition.
- Adjust the Consistency – If the orzo thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of broth or milk before serving.
- Crispy Topping Option – Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and broil for a golden, crispy finish.
- Make It a One-Pot Meal – Cook everything in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor absorption.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan – Stir in roasted garlic and extra Parmesan for a rich, garlicky flavor.
- Buffalo Style – Mix in buffalo sauce and top with crumbled blue cheese for a zesty, tangy bite.
- Mediterranean Twist – Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta for a fresh, briny flavor.
- Bacon Lover’s – Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra smokiness and crunch.
- Mushroom & Herb – Sauté mushrooms with thyme and rosemary for an earthy, aromatic touch.
- Pesto Perfection – Mix in basil pesto for a herby, nutty depth of flavor.
- Tex-Mex Fusion – Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a Southwestern flair.
- Lemon & Spinach – Brighten it up with fresh lemon zest and a handful of baby spinach.
- Four-Cheese Delight – Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan for ultimate cheesiness.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – For cooking the chicken, orzo, and sauce all in one pan.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – For chopping the chicken, broccoli, and other ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – To stir and combine everything smoothly.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
- Grater – If using a block of cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
- Tongs – To easily flip and handle the chicken.
- Ladle or Large Spoon – For scooping and serving the dish.
- Colander or Strainer – To rinse the orzo or drain excess liquid if needed.
- Lid for Skillet – Helps steam the broccoli and melt the cheese.
- Instant-Read Thermometer – To check if the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw it slightly before adding to the pan to prevent excess water. - How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. - What if I don’t have orzo?
Substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and buttery orzo pasta, all smothered in a rich, gooey cheese sauce. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory chicken, cheesy goodness, and nutritious broccoli, making it a family-friendly favorite that’s easy to make and absolutely satisfying.
This dish is incredibly versatile—add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and texture, or switch up the cheese with mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a different taste. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
I can’t wait to see how your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!
