ULTIMATE CHEESY CHICKEN ORZO

I can still picture my tiny kitchen in my first apartment, steam fogging up the windows as I experimented with different comfort food recipes. It was a time of culinary adventures (and occasional disasters!), but one dish that consistently came out perfectly was a variation of what I now lovingly call my Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. It was simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser, even if the “crowd” was just me and my cat, Mittens. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo you’ll ever make, and I promise, it’s easier than you think!

The Magic of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

There’s just something undeniably comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish, isn’t there? But sometimes, we want something a little more than just plain pasta. That’s where this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo really shines. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked orzo, all swimming in a luscious, cheesy sauce that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). It’s a complete meal in one pot, which means fewer dishes – always a win in my book!

What I truly love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your liking by swapping out the chicken for shrimp, adding different vegetables, or even using a different type of cheese. The possibilities are endless! But for today, we’re focusing on the classic, perfected version that I know you’ll absolutely adore.

Why Orzo?

You might be wondering, “Why orzo?” Well, orzo is a type of pasta that’s shaped like rice, and it has a wonderfully delicate texture that just melts in your mouth. It cooks quickly and evenly, and it holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Plus, it’s just plain fun to eat! It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta shapes, and I think you’ll find it adds a special touch to this dish.

Let’s Get Cooking! The Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making the most incredible Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. Don’t worry, I’ll be right there with you every step of the way!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a little kick!

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Don’t worry about getting a perfect sear; we just want to cook it through.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is important because it adds a nutty flavor to the orzo.
6. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed. The orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
7. Add the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You want them to still have a little bit of a bite to them, not be mushy.
8. Stir in the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens! The sauce should be thick and luscious.
9. Return the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
10. Season to Taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt and pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Success Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Want to make sure your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my top tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Nobody likes mushy pasta! Cook the orzo until it’s just tender, with a slight bite to it. Keep an eye on it and test it frequently during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese will give you a much creamier sauce. Trust me, it makes a difference!
• Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of extra chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• Don’t Skip Toasting the Orzo: This simple step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish. It’s worth the extra minute or two!
• Broccoli Tip: For even cooking, cut the broccoli florets into similar sizes.

Variations and Additions

As I mentioned earlier, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Swap the Protein: Use cooked shrimp, sausage, or even tofu instead of chicken.
• Add More Veggies: Throw in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Use Different Cheeses: Try using Gruyere, Fontina, or even a little bit of goat cheese.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Steamed green beans or asparagus.

It also makes fantastic leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

Make it Ahead

Want to get a head start on dinner? You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and orzo according to the instructions, but don’t add the broccoli, cream, and cheese yet. Store the cooked chicken and orzo in the refrigerator separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and orzo, then add the broccoli, cream, and cheese and cook until heated through. This is a great option for busy weeknights!

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes

If you’re a fan of chicken dishes, you’re in the right place! I have tons of amazing chicken recipes that I know you’ll love. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Craving something truly comforting? You absolutely have to try my Smothered Chicken. It’s a classic for a reason!
• For a quick and easy weeknight meal, my Chicken Tortellini is a total winner. It’s creamy, dreamy, and ready in minutes!
• When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!
• Looking for a one-pan wonder? My Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a must-try. The flavors are incredible!
• For a quick and flavorful bite, you can’t beat my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta. They’re perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
• And finally, if you’re in the mood for something simple and elegant, my Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I hope you enjoy trying out these recipes! Let me know which one is your favorite in the comments below.

Final Thoughts: Your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Adventure Awaits!

There you have it! Everything you need to make the most delicious, comforting, and satisfying Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. From the tender chicken to the perfectly cooked orzo and the creamy, cheesy sauce, every bite is a little slice of heaven. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Cooking should be fun, so relax, enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every mouthful. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!

Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Amelia

This creamy and comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo are combined in a luscious, cheesy sauce for a complete and delicious dish. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a little kick!
• Fresh parsley, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
• Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
• Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
• Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt and pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese for a creamier sauce. Avoid overcooking the orzo for the best texture. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or tofu. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added veggies. Using different cheeses like Gruyere or Fontina can also add a unique flavor.