PERFECT CHICKEN BROCCOLI ORZO BAKE

Imagine the ultimate comfort food hug: tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and creamy orzo all baked together in a cheesy embrace. This Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake is pure weeknight bliss, a one-pan wonder that’s destined to become a family favorite, and I promise, it’s easier than you think!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Orzo Bake

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

Sauté and Bake

3. Heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet; all those browned bits will add flavor!
4. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the orzo is almost tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Stir in the broccoli florets and cooked chicken. Mix well to combine.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese.
8. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown.
10. Let the Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Orzo Bake

Choosing Your Chicken

While I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their convenience and leanness, you can absolutely use chicken thighs in this recipe. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as you would the chicken breasts. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to make this a super Quick Prep Meals!

Getting the Orzo Just Right

The key to a great orzo bake is perfectly cooked orzo. You want it to be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on it while it’s simmering and adjust the cooking time as needed. If the orzo is absorbing the liquid too quickly, add a splash more chicken broth or milk. If there’s still too much liquid at the end of the simmering time, remove the lid and let it cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the excess liquid has evaporated. I love adding Cheesy Chicken Orzo as a side dish some nights!

Broccoli Bliss

I like to use fresh broccoli florets in this recipe for the best flavor and texture, but frozen broccoli works in a pinch. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it slightly and drain off any excess water before adding it to the skillet. Feel free to substitute with other veggies as well!

Cheese, Please!

Cheddar and Parmesan are my go-to cheeses for this bake, but feel free to experiment with other types. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta would all be delicious. A blend of cheeses adds extra depth of flavor. Don’t be shy – cheese is your friend!

Variations to Spice Things Up

Add Some Heat

If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic. You could also stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce or a can of diced green chilies.

Make it Creamier

For an even richer and creamier orzo bake, add 4 ounces of cream cheese, cut into cubes, along with the heavy cream and milk. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and smooth.

Veggie Power

Boost the veggie content by adding other vegetables such as chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the broccoli. Get creative and use whatever veggies you have on hand. This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables from other Dinner Recipes With Sides!

Protein Boost

Add some cooked bacon or crumbled sausage along with the chicken for an extra protein boost and a smoky flavor. You could also use cooked shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.

Making it Ahead and Storing Leftovers

Yummy Meal Prep Ideas Lunches

This Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake is a fantastic Yummy Meal Prep Ideas Lunches option. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it later. Simply prepare the orzo bake as directed up to the point of baking. Cover the skillet tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed, until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it moist.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

This Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake is a winner for so many reasons. It’s a complete meal in one dish, packed with protein, veggies, and carbs. It’s easy to customize to your liking. It can be made ahead of time, and it’s perfect for leftovers. Plus, it’s just plain delicious! This recipe is a great way to get a healthy meal for your Family Dinner Chicken.

Sometimes I even like to try the Chicken Pot Pie Orzo or Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake when I’m looking for something different! Other times, Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup is a great way to spice up our week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake as much as my family does. It’s a simple, satisfying, and comforting meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!