Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Hola! If you’ve ever craved a creamy, comforting dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is for you. Growing up in Orlando, I spent many evenings in the kitchen with my mama, learning how a handful of simple ingredients could turn into something magical. Today, this skillet dinner gives me the same cozy feeling. Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and orzo pasta are all coated in a creamy cheese sauce that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s the kind of meal that wins over picky eaters, making it one of my favorite clean eating dinner recipes.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 5 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American with Italian influence |
| Best Season | Year-round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this is a go-to easy weeknight meal for busy families.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in a single skillet.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness, while parents love sneaking in broccoli.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein, veggies, and orzo pasta, it’s a balanced clean eating dinner option.
- Customizable: Swap in different cheeses, veggies, or even use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and orzo pasta simmered in a cheesy sauce. A comforting one-skillet dinner ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups Broccoli (cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 1/2 cups Cheese (1/2 cup parmesan, 1 cup cheddar)
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- Fresh Herbs (basil, oregano, or parsley)
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper for about 3 minutes per side until no longer pink. Remove to a plate and cover.
2. In the same skillet, add butter, onion, and broccoli. Cook until softened, 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add orzo pasta, toss to coat, then stir in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook 10-11 minutes until orzo is tender and broth is absorbed.
4. Stir in parmesan and cheddar cheese until melted. Return chicken with juices and stir to coat.
5. Remove from heat, add fresh lemon juice, taste for seasoning, and garnish with fresh herbs and extra parmesan.
Notes
Use a strong cheese like parmesan for nutty flavor. Combine with cheddar or Colby jack for creaminess. Stir orzo often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth if it dries out during reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 368
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1284mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
- 1 lb Chicken Breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups Broccoli (cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 1/2 cups Cheese (1/2 cup parmesan, 1 cup cheddar)
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- Fresh Herbs (basil, oregano, or parsley)
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Chicken Breast | Cut into uniform bite-size pieces for even cooking. |
| Orzo Pasta | Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. |
| Broccoli | Use fresh florets for best texture, but frozen works too. |
| Cheese | Combine sharp cheddar with parmesan for a rich flavor blend. |
| Chicken Broth | Low-sodium broth gives you better control over seasoning. |
| Lemon Juice | Always use fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish. |
| Onion & Garlic | Finely dice onion and mince garlic for even distribution. |
| Fresh Herbs | Add just before serving to keep flavors vibrant. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breast pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes per side until no longer pink. Remove to a plate with juices and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, add butter, onion, and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and toss to coat with butter and veggies. Stir in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 10-11 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir in parmesan and cheddar until melted and creamy. Return cooked chicken with juices, mixing well to coat everything.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in fresh lemon juice, and taste for seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot right from the skillet.
Helpful Tips
- Always brown the chicken first for extra flavor in the skillet.
- Cut broccoli into small florets so they cook evenly with the orzo.
- Stir orzo frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Add cheese gradually to avoid clumping and achieve a silky sauce.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Cheese Choice: Use a mix of parmesan and cheddar for depth, but feel free to experiment with Colby jack or Gruyere.
- Orzo Texture: Cook until just tender, as it will continue to soften slightly once the cheese is added.
- Broth Absorption: If orzo absorbs too quickly, add a splash of warm broth or water.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle parsley, oregano, or basil at the end for a fresh finish.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or extra veggies for a hearty meat-free option.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Creamier Texture: Stir in 1/4 cup of cream or half-and-half before adding cheese.
- Protein Boost: Swap chicken with shrimp or turkey for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to revive the creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic family-style meal. Add extra cheese on top for presentation. Pair with a crisp side salad or garlic bread to complete the dinner spread.
Pairing Ideas
This cheesy chicken broccoli orzo pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of Chardonnay, sparkling water with lemon, or even iced tea. On the side, try roasted vegetables or a fresh tomato salad for balance.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. For reheating, use the stovetop with a splash of broth for best results. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just add it directly without thawing, and it will cook along with the orzo. Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute gluten-free orzo or small pasta shapes, and adjust cooking times as needed. Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken saves time. Add it during the cheese-melting step. What other cheeses can I use? Mozzarella, gouda, or Colby jack all melt beautifully and give different flavor notes. Can I double the recipe? Yes, just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to prevent overflow. Will this dish get dry when reheated? It can, so always add a splash of broth or water before reheating to maintain creaminess. Can I meal prep this for the week? Yes, divide into single portions and store in the fridge for grab-and-go lunches.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Calories | 368 kcal |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, creamy, and full of flavor. Try it once, and it might just become a new family favorite on your dinner rotation!
