Go Back

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is a one-pan dinner with creamy, cheddar-sauced orzo, tender chicken, and vivid green broccoli florets. Cook orzo uncovered in chicken broth and cream, then finish with melted cheddar and Parmesan for a thick, spoon-coating texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 850
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and seasonings
  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 0.25 Salt To taste.
  • 0.25 pepper To taste.
  • 0.5 garlic powder To taste.
  • 0.5 smoked paprika To taste.
Orzo and sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic Minced.
  • 1.5 orzo pasta
  • 3 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cup broccoli florets Cut small.
  • 1.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Grated.
  • 0.25 Fresh parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Cook the chicken
  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring or flipping as needed, until golden and cooked through; remove to a plate.
Toast orzo and simmer
  1. Add the minced garlic to the same pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and bring everything to a simmer.
Cook orzo and broccoli
  1. Cook the orzo uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender. Add the broccoli florets in the last 4 minutes of cooking so they stay bright green and just tender.
Finish with cheese and serve
  1. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Parmesan until fully melted and the orzo becomes creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, with extra cheese if desired.

Notes

For the creamiest texture, stir frequently while the orzo simmers so the starches thicken the cream sauce; if it thickens too fast, add a splash of chicken broth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen. Freezing is not recommended because the cream sauce can break upon thawing. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add extra cheddar to keep the sauce thick.