Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting and creamy one-pan meal that comes together quickly. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
2. Step 2: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Toast the orzo for about 30 seconds while stirring.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking of the orzo.
6. Step 6: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to heat through.
7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
8. Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions.
• Substitute spinach or kale for broccoli if preferred or if broccoli is unavailable.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Leftover cooked chicken or even cooked sausage pieces can be used instead of rotisserie chicken.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses can be used to change the flavor and texture.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen broccoli before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews

A comforting and creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo dish that combines tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and sharp cheddar cheese in a flavorful creamy sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this one-pan recipe is quick to prepare and delivers rich flavors with a delightful texture from the orzo pasta.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)

Pasta & Protein

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie)

Liquids & Seasonings

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly while retaining their vibrant color.
3. Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Toast the orzo briefly for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer.
5. Simmer: Cook the mixture uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan and ensuring it cooks evenly and absorbs the liquids.
6. Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and continue cooking just until the chicken is heated through, distributing it evenly throughout the dish.
7. Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
8. Season and Thicken: Season the dish to taste with salt and pepper. Let it sit off heat for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen broccoli florets; if using frozen, make sure they are thawed to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
• For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time, but leftover cooked chicken or poached chicken breasts work well too.
• Adjust seasoning gradually, especially salt, as the cheese and broth contain sodium.
• For a sharper cheese flavor, opt for aged cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Parmesan.
• If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Keywords: Cheesy chicken orzo, chicken broccoli orzo, creamy orzo pasta, one-pan dinner, quick chicken recipes, comfort food, weeknight dinner