Why You’ll Love Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
This dish combines everything you love in a comfort meal—juicy chicken, wholesome broccoli, and cheesy, creamy pasta. It’s made in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup, and comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is quick, filling, and universally loved.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breast or thighs
broccoli florets
orzo pasta
cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese
garlic
onion
chicken broth
milk or cream
olive oil or butter
salt
pepper
Directions
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Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and softened.
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Stir in the orzo and toast slightly for 1–2 minutes.
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Pour in chicken broth and milk (or cream). Bring to a simmer.
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Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is bright green and slightly softened.
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Stir in the cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is creamy and well combined.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 35 minutes to prepare and cook.
Variations
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Swap chicken for turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken.
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Use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or gouda for a different cheesy flavor.
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Stir in some cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is also an option—heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
What is orzo?
Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like rice. It cooks quickly and has a creamy texture when cooked with liquids, making it perfect for skillet dishes.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked or leftover chicken works well. Just add it at the end to warm through.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the orzo and broccoli may change slightly upon thawing. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses would also work well in this dish.
What can I substitute for milk or cream?
You can use evaporated milk, half-and-half, or even a non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk for a lighter option.
Do I need to cook the broccoli first?
No, the broccoli cooks in the same pan with the orzo and absorbs all the flavors from the broth and cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, orzo is a wheat-based pasta. You’d need to use gluten-free pasta or rice to make a gluten-free version.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan and stir frequently as it cooks to prevent sticking.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the extra volume.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a go-to meal when you need something delicious, comforting, and quick to make. It delivers big flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends at home. With its creamy texture, melty cheese, and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk (or cream), then bring to a simmer.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for 5–7 minutes, until orzo is tender and broccoli is bright green and softened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then stir in cheddar and Parmesan until creamy and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- Swap chicken with turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Frozen broccoli can be used—just extend cooking time slightly.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Try mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different cheese flavors.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
