Looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the best of cheesy goodness with hearty vegetables and tender chicken? Look no further! This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe is a winner in every way. From its creamy texture to the pop of flavors from the cheddar cheese, garlic, and paprika, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a comforting meal for the whole family, this dish delivers every time. Let’s dive into why this cheesy, creamy chicken and broccoli orzo is so special and how you can make it at home!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
When it comes to dinner, a one-pan, easy-to-make meal that’s loaded with flavor is always a hit. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo brings together the goodness of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and the creamy indulgence of cheddar cheese, all tied together with a delicious orzo pasta base. The texture is creamy, the flavors are rich, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy families, those with picky eaters, or anyone looking for a comforting dinner.
What makes this dish even better is its versatility. You can add or swap in other vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. And the best part? The dish is easy to prepare, with minimal cleanup required. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need and how to make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
The secret to this dish’s creamy and flavorful goodness lies in a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta: Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. It’s the perfect choice for a creamy pasta dish.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced: Tender and lean chicken breast adds a protein boost and richness to the dish.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a pop of color, a bit of crunch, and a dose of nutrients.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds that unmistakable savory, aromatic depth that brings all the flavors together.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Chicken broth infuses the dish with extra flavor and ensures the orzo cooks beautifully.
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%): Creamy milk enhances the overall texture of the dish, making it satisfyingly rich.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the dish! Shredded cheddar cheese creates the creamy, melty texture that makes this dish indulgent and comforting.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A bit of salt to season the chicken and the overall dish to perfection.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Paprika brings a gentle smokiness and a bit of color to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic, providing a light but rich base.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick of heat, red pepper flakes add a delightful zing.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
- Extra shredded cheese: If you love cheese (who doesn’t?), sprinkle more shredded cheddar over the top for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
- Crushed red pepper for spice: If you enjoy a spicier kick, garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s walk through the simple steps to making this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. It’s easy, quick, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
1. Cook the Orzo:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook it according to the package instructions—usually around 7-10 minutes—until the orzo is al dente (tender, but still firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
While the orzo is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season it with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Sauté the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is slightly tender but still has a nice crunch. This quick sauté keeps the broccoli vibrant and fresh-tasting.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the chicken broth and milk into the skillet with the garlic and broccoli. Stir to combine everything, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. The combination of the broth and milk will create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the orzo and chicken beautifully.
Add the cooked orzo and chicken back into the skillet, mixing it all together. The creamy mixture should coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If you like a bit of heat, now is the time to sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Stir them in and let everything come together into a melty, cheesy masterpiece.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once the cheese is melted and the dish is creamy and well-combined, it’s time to serve! Spoon the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo onto plates, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, extra cheese, or more red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat. Serve this comforting dish warm and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
While this recipe is simple, here are a few tips to take it to the next level:
- For Extra Creaminess: If you want an even richer dish, consider using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. This will make the sauce extra creamy and indulgent.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to up the veggie content and add more flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Love a little more heat? Add a finely diced jalapeño to the skillet with the garlic for an extra kick. You could also increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use a Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Just shred it and toss it into the skillet when you add the orzo.
Why This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is the Perfect Meal
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo dish is the epitome of comfort food. It combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and healthy broccoli with the satisfying bite of orzo pasta. The dish is flavorful, well-balanced, and filling—all without being overly heavy. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to please.
What makes it even better is its versatility. You can modify it to suit your tastes, swap ingredients, or make it spicy depending on your preference. It’s also a great dish for meal prep. You can make a big batch, refrigerate it, and enjoy it throughout the week. The leftovers are just as delicious!
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, here are some more delicious recipes you might want to try:
- Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta – A smooth and creamy chicken pasta dish featuring a rich ricotta sauce.
- Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – A bold and flavorful chicken linguine in a creamy butter sauce with garlic and herbs.
- Firecracker Chicken and Cheese Tortellini – A spicy, cheesy, and tantalizing tortellini dish packed with bold flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to Reheat Chicken and Orzo?
Reheating chicken and orzo is simple and can be done in a few ways to ensure the dish stays delicious and moist:
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In the Microwave: Place the chicken and orzo in a microwave-safe container, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep it from drying out. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
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On the Stovetop: Add the chicken and orzo to a skillet with a small amount of chicken broth or milk. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
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In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and orzo in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
2. How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
Making chicken and broccoli pasta is quick and easy! Here’s how to do it:
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Cook the Pasta: Boil your preferred pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) according to the package instructions.
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Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season and cook diced chicken breast in a skillet with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs you like until fully cooked.
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Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add chopped broccoli and sauté until tender or steam it until bright green and slightly crisp.
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Combine and Create the Sauce: Once the pasta is done, combine it with the chicken and broccoli in the skillet. Add a creamy sauce, such as a mixture of cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined and serve!
3. How to Cook Orzo and Chicken?
To cook orzo and chicken together, follow these steps:
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Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions (typically 7-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: While the orzo cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken in the skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes).
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Combine: Once both the orzo and chicken are cooked, combine them in the skillet. Add your desired sauce, such as chicken broth, milk, or cream, and stir in your favorite seasonings and cheese. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
4. How to Slice Chicken for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli?
Slicing chicken for Chinese chicken and broccoli requires a bit of technique to get the perfect bite-sized pieces. Here’s how to do it:
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Freeze the Chicken Slightly: For easier slicing, freeze the chicken breast for about 20-30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it easier to slice thinly.
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Slice Against the Grain: Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it against the grain (perpendicular to the lines of muscle fibers). This ensures the chicken is tender and easy to chew.
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Slice Thinly: Aim for thin, bite-sized strips that will cook quickly and evenly in your stir-fry. This will allow the chicken to soak up all the flavors of the sauce and seasonings.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly sliced chicken ready to add to your delicious Chinese chicken and broccoli dish!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a must-try recipe that brings together the best of comfort food in a quick and easy dish. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy cheddar cheese, and a comforting orzo base, it’s a meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to wow your guests, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with delicious flavors. Don’t wait—give it a try today and experience the magic of this cheesy, comforting meal!
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How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is the perfect comfort food, combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese all mixed with soft orzo pasta. It’s a quick, flavorful, and easy dish, ideal for busy weeknights or when you need something deliciously satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add broccoli florets. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Combine Everything: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked orzo and chicken back to the skillet, mixing well.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy chicken broccoli orzo dish!
Notes
- For a creamy and rich flavor, use full-fat milk or heavy cream.
- You can add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more color and flavor.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Cheesy chicken, broccoli orzo, chicken orzo recipe, creamy chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, cheesy pasta, chicken broccoli recipe, family dinner recipe