Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo: Prepare to be amazed by this one-pan wonder that’s about to become your new weeknight staple! Imagine tender orzo pasta, perfectly cooked chicken, and vibrant broccoli florets, all swimming in a luscious, cheesy sauce. It’s comfort food elevated, and trust me, your family will be begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of this particular combination are a bit hazy, the concept of combining pasta, protein, and vegetables in a creamy sauce has roots in various culinary traditions around the world. Think of Italian pasta bakes or creamy chicken casseroles – this dish draws inspiration from those comforting classics, but with a modern twist.

What makes this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy cheese sauce coats every strand of orzo and every piece of chicken and broccoli, creating a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This recipe comes together quickly in just one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. The combination of protein, carbs, and vegetables makes it a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to experience the ultimate in cheesy, comforting goodness!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• For the Orzo:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk, whole or 2%
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or medium
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated nicely.
2. Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This is where the flavor starts to build!
3. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken.
4. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Make sure to stir it occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl. We’ll add it back in later. Don’t clean the skillet yet – we’re going to use it for the orzo!

Cooking the Orzo:

1. Now, let’s move on to the orzo. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet you used for the chicken. Heat it over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes softened and translucent. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from burning.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it well to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture.
5. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and has absorbed most of the chicken broth. Stir it occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
6. While the orzo is cooking, prepare the broccoli. Cut the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces.
7. Once the orzo is almost done (about 2 minutes before the end of the cooking time), add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir them in with the orzo. The broccoli will cook in the remaining steam and heat from the orzo.
8. Continue to simmer, covered, for the remaining 2 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. While the orzo and broccoli are cooking, let’s make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Cook the flour and butter mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir well to combine.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. If the cheese sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can cook it for a few more minutes to thicken it.

Assembling the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo:

1. Now that we have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the orzo and broccoli mixture in the skillet.
2. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet as well.
3. Stir everything together gently until the chicken, orzo, broccoli, and cheese sauce are well combined.
4. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or cheese, depending on your preference.
5. Serve the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo immediately. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or some fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the orzo, such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers.
• Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Make it healthier: Use whole wheat orzo and low-fat milk to make the dish healthier.
• Bake it: For an extra cheesy and bubbly dish, transfer the assembled orzo to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a little milk or broth to loosen it up when reheating.

Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo!

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. From the creamy, cheesy sauce to the perfectly cooked orzo and tender chicken, punctuated by the vibrant green of the broccoli, every element works in perfect harmony. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to company. Honestly, I think it’s a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a satisfying and delicious meal.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A sharp cheddar would add a bolder flavor, while Gruyere would lend a nutty sophistication. You could even throw in a little Parmesan for an extra salty kick. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, try substituting it with cauliflower, asparagus, or even some sautéed spinach. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Alternatively, you could serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with leftovers! This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day. You could even transform it into a cheesy orzo bake by topping it with breadcrumbs and baking it in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. Another fun variation is to use the leftovers as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. Simply hollow out some bell peppers, fill them with the orzo mixture, and bake until the peppers are tender.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. The combination of cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and healthy broccoli is simply irresistible.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo as much as I do. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience! I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, or send me an email. I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking! I know you will enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do. It is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables, and it is a quick and easy meal to prepare.

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July 1, 2025 by Melissa