Let’s be honest: weeknights can be a circus. Between work, laundry, and keeping up with everyone’s schedules, dinner often feels like an afterthought. That’s exactly why this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is about to become your new best friend. It’s quick, creamy, and packed with feel-good ingredients like tender chicken, wholesome broccoli, and a gooey cheddar cheese sauce that hugs every bite of orzo. Best part? It all comes together in one skillet. Less mess, more magic.
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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
This dish is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—fast, flavorful, and fabulously comforting. The orzo soaks up all that cheesy, garlicky goodness, while the broccoli keeps things feeling fresh (hello, green veggies!). It’s hearty enough for the hungriest family members but simple enough that you can throw it together without breaking a sweat.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just need something nourishing after a long day, this cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
1. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Start the Sauce
In the same skillet (yay, fewer dishes!), toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and stir it around so it gets a little toasty and coated in that garlicky oil.
3. Add the Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir to combine, bring it all to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Toss in the Broccoli and Cheese
Add your broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Once the broccoli is tender and the orzo is creamy, lower the heat and stir in that glorious cheddar cheese. Let it melt until smooth and dreamy.
5. Finish It Up
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning—this is where you can sprinkle in those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold.
6. Serve and Savor
Top with fresh parsley, a little extra cheese, and crushed red pepper if you like things spicy. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!
Tips for a Foolproof Dish
- No orzo? Try small pasta like ditalini or even rice in a pinch.
- Want it creamier? Add a splash more milk at the end.
- Cooking for kids? Skip the red pepper flakes and sneak in extra broccoli—they’ll never notice.
- Short on time? Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great too.
A Little Kitchen Story
This dish became a weeknight hero in our home when my youngest declared it her “cheesy dream dinner.” After a few tweaks, it landed on our permanent rotation. Now, it’s not just dinner—it’s a cozy little ritual we all look forward to, especially on those crazy, everything-is-happening-at-once evenings.
FAQs About Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Can I substitute the chicken breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs or even leftover rotisserie chicken work beautifully.
How can I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
Is this freezer-friendly?
It can be, but the texture of the orzo might change a bit. Freeze in portions and reheat with extra cheese and milk.
Bring the Magic to Your Dinner Table
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is the perfect mix of comfort and convenience, making it your go-to solution for busy nights. It’s warm, melty, and totally satisfying—like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a little cheesy joy after a long day, this one-skillet wonder has you covered. So grab your pan, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring a little magic to your dinner table tonight.
More Cozy Chicken Dinners to Try
Looking for more cozy, crowd-pleasing meals like Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo? Here are a few fan favorites that offer the same comfort and convenience:
- Savor the rich, creamy flavors in this skillet-style Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo—a beautiful blend of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic cream sauce.
- For a classic Eastern European touch with a paprika punch, you’ll love the hearty Chicken Paprikash.
- Want another dreamy one-pot pasta? Dive into the decadence of Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo.
- Need a simple oven-baked solution? This One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake brings crispy, juicy chicken and fluffy rice together for a low-fuss, big-flavor meal.
Each of these recipes pairs wonderfully with busy schedules and hungry households—go ahead and bookmark your next week of meals!
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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a quick, one-skillet meal packed with tender chicken, creamy cheddar cheese, fresh broccoli, and orzo pasta. A cozy dinner ready in under 30 minutes!
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
Instructions
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Orzo: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the orzo to coat in the oil and toast lightly for 1 minute.
Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets. Cook for 3–4 minutes until broccoli is tender and orzo is creamy.
Stir in Cheese: Lower heat and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
Combine Chicken and Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Garnish with parsley, extra cheese, or red pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Notes
Substitute orzo with small pasta like ditalini or even cooked rice.
Add a splash more milk if a creamier texture is desired.
Rotisserie chicken can save even more time.
Skip red pepper flakes for a kid-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg