Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Tender orzo pasta tossed with juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce. This creamy skillet dinner comes together quickly and feels like a comforting, wholesome take on mac & cheese with a nutritious twist. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
Serves: 4–5
Ingredients:
For the Main Dish:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta (dry)
2¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1½ cups broccoli florets
½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
½ cup milk or cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Saute for 5–6 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Saute Garlic and Toast Orzo:
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
Saute garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in dry orzo.
Toast for 2 minutes until slightly golden.
3. Simmer the Orzo:
Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 8–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is almost tender.
4. Add Broccoli:
Stir in broccoli (if using frozen, no need to thaw).
Cover and cook another 4–5 minutes until broccoli is tender and orzo is creamy.
5. Finish with Cheese & Chicken:
Stir in milk, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese until melted and creamy.
Add cooked chicken back to the skillet and mix well.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more broth or milk if too thick.
6. Serve:
Serve warm, topped with extra cheese, black pepper, or chili flakes if desired.
Notes & Tips:
Don’t overcook the orzo – It should be al dente and creamy like risotto.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add-ins: Mushrooms, spinach, or peas can be tossed in with the broccoli.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeno.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rice instead of orzo?
A: Yes, but increase the broth and cooking time. Try arborio rice for a creamy texture.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Omit chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies or white beans for protein.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cheese and plant milk, but flavor may vary.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~380
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 480mg