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One Pot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 90 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/one-pot-cheesy-chicken-and-broccoli-orzo-recipe/