ULTIMATE CHICKEN BROCCOLI ORZO BAKE
This Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo, all coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection, this recipe is easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Colander (optional, for blanching broccoli)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra Parmesan cheese optional, for topping
- Red pepper flakes optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the chicken and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp. Remove the chicken and broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the 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 and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to lightly toast the orzo.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be creamy and cheesy.
- Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet with the cheesy orzo. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.
- If desired, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan cheese for a golden-brown crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a dry bake, add extra chicken broth or cream before baking. To prevent mushy broccoli, blanch it before adding to the bake. Don't be afraid to season generously. This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Customize with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and proteins. For a healthier version, use whole wheat orzo and low-fat milk or Greek yogurt in place of the heavy cream.