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