One Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Introduction
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese combine in a flavorful orzo pasta that cooks all in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp salted butter, divided
- 1-2 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 heaping tbsp chicken bouillon + 2 1/2 cups water OR 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to evenly coat.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook seasoned chicken until browned and fully cooked, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add diced carrots and onion, cooking for about 7 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1 minute while stirring.
- Step 6: Pour in the chicken bouillon and water or broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Stir in the chopped broccoli.
- Step 7: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 11–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 8: Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and creamy.
- Step 9: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mix well, and heat through before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Swap broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or peas depending on your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, noting the sauce will be less thick.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it during the last few minutes of simmering to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
Is orzo pasta gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten. Look for gluten-free orzo alternatives made from rice or corn if you need a gluten-free option.
PrintOne Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Recipe
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned and sautéed, then combined with sautéed vegetables, creamy orzo pasta, and generous amounts of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The result is a rich, cheesy, flavorful dish that all comes together in a single skillet for easy cleanup and satisfying flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1–2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1–2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1–2 tsp Salt
- 1–2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1–2 tsp Smoked Paprika
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 2 tbsp Salted Butter, divided
- 2 Carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 6 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 Cups Broccoli Florets, chopped
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 Cup Orzo Pasta
- 1 Heaping Tbsp Chicken Bouillon
- 2 1/2 Cups Water (or 2 cups chicken broth alternative)
- 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
Cheese
- 2 Cups Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to ensure the chicken is flavorful.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add diced carrots and onions, cooking for about 7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet with the vegetables and toast it by stirring continuously for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken bouillon and water (or chicken broth), scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits to enhance flavor. Stir in the chopped broccoli florets.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 11 to 12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese has melted and the dish is creamy and well combined. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet if desired and mix gently.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken bouillon and water with chicken broth for richer flavor.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, since bouillon can be salty.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the texture will be less rich.
Keywords: one pot meals, cheesy chicken, broccoli orzo, easy dinner, comfort food, skillet recipe, weeknight dinner
