Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup and easy preparation.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Comforting & Creamy – Cheesy, warm, and full of flavor.
- Balanced & Nutritious – Includes protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish.
- Family-Friendly – A great way to get kids to enjoy broccoli!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Meat:
- 1 chicken breast, diced
Produce:
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
Canned Goods:
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
Pasta & Grains:
- 1 cup orzo
Baking & Spices:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add shallot and garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the Orzo:
- Stir in the orzo and toast for about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and absorbs most of the broth.
Add Broccoli & Chicken:
- Stir in broccoli florets and return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Melt the Cheese & Serve:
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat and serve warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.
- Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for gouda, mozzarella, or parmesan.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous work well, but cooking times may vary.
How can I make this a low-carb dish?
Swap the orzo for cauliflower rice or a low-carb pasta alternative.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw it first and reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Use dairy-free cheese and replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! Cook everything except the cheese, then store it in the fridge. Reheat and stir in the cheese before serving.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken can be used. Just add it in with the broccoli.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir occasionally while cooking, and add extra broth if needed.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese would work well.
What other vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and vibrant broccoli, it’s a balanced dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize and make ahead for a stress-free meal. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting homemade dinner!
PrintBroccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and orzo pasta in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, this dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly dinner you’ll want to make again and again!
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1 chicken breast, diced
Produce:
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
Canned Goods:
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
Pasta & Grains:
- 1 cup orzo
Baking & Spices:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add shallot and garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Orzo:
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and absorbs most of the broth.
4. Add Broccoli & Chicken:
- Stir in broccoli florets and return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
5. Melt the Cheese & Serve:
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Prevent sticking by stirring the orzo occasionally and adding extra broth if needed.
