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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/cheesy-chicken-broccoli-orzo-recipe/