Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is my go-to recipe when I need comfort food fast. This creamy, one-pan dinner combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo in a rich cheese sauce that my family requests weekly.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I had random ingredients to use up. The moment I stirred in that melted cheddar and watched it coat every piece of orzo, I knew this would become a staple. The beauty of this cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is how everything cooks together, creating layers of flavor without extra dishes. It’s comfort food that actually respects your time, and the creamy orzo texture rivals any restaurant pasta dish.

Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

I always use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and color in this dish. Pro tip: cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the orzo.

• 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

When choosing your cheese, I recommend freshly shredded cheddar rather than pre-shredded for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.

How to Make This Creamy One-Pan Dinner

I prefer cooking the chicken first to get that golden color, which adds depth to the entire dish.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.

Step 2: Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining. The chicken should reach 165°F internally. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn and turn bitter.

Step 4: Add orzo pasta and stir to coat in the garlic and oil for about 1 minute. This toasts the orzo slightly and adds a nutty flavor.

Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The liquid should reduce by about half.

Step 6: Stir in the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green, and the orzo is creamy and soft.

Step 7: Lower the heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. The sauce should be thick and coat the back of a spoon.

Step 8: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 9: Season to taste with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. The flavors should be balanced and rich.

Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese before serving warm. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Perfect Pairings for This Cheesy Orzo Dish

This creamy cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is a complete meal, but certain sides enhance the experience.

Garden Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness to balance the creamy cheese sauce.

Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of that cheesy orzo sauce.

Roasted Vegetables: Carrots or Brussels sprouts add color, nutrition, and a caramelized flavor contrast.

White Wine: A chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, savory flavors beautifully for adult dinners.

Fruit Salad: Fresh seasonal fruit provides a light, refreshing contrast to this rich, satisfying main dish.

More Comforting Chicken Dinners to Try

This cheesy chicken broccoli orzo pairs wonderfully with other satisfying one-pan meals that bring restaurant flavor to the home kitchen. For another creamy chicken favorite, the Creamy Tuscan Chicken delivers similar comfort with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a luscious sauce. When craving bold flavors, the Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce offers aromatic spices and tangy garlic sauce that complement the cheesy richness.

Looking for more quick chicken dinners? The Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta provides similar creamy indulgence with a garlic butter twist, while Hot Honey Feta Chicken brings sweet and savory balance that works beautifully alongside this orzo dish for variety.

Storing Your Leftover Orzo

Store cooled cheesy chicken broccoli orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will absorb some liquid as it sits, which is normal.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Pro tip: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion into individual servings before freezing for easy weeknight meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating with extra liquid.

Common Questions About This Recipe

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