Perfect Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake
This Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake is a comforting and easy one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners. It features tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and creamy orzo baked together in a cheesy sauce.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
- Spatula or spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and cooked chicken. Mix well to combine.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Let the Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For a creamier bake, add 4 ounces of cream cheese. You can also add red pepper flakes, hot sauce or a can of diced green chilies for heat. Feel free to substitute vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Cooked bacon or sausage can be added for a protein boost. This can be assembled ahead of time and baked later. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep it moist.