Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo is an easy one pot dinner made with tender chicken, orzo, broccoli, and plenty of cheddar cheese. This homemade, family friendly meal is creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of dishes. It is the kind of dinner that has everyone going back for seconds.
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Cooking has been a big part of my life for many years, from working in restaurant kitchens to preparing homemade meals for my family. I have learned how to build comforting dinners using simple ingredients and practical techniques. My kids are always happy to be the official taste testers, and meals like this one pot pasta are often asked for. It is a recipe I have made many times in my kitchen and one I am excited to share.
Why We Love This Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Chicken
- Easy one pot dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Perfect family friendly meal for busy weeknights.
- Comfort food the whole family will enjoy.
- Made with simple ingredients.
- Great for leftovers and reheats well the next day.
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo Recipe Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Chicken Breast, boneless and skinless
- Onion
- Minced Garlic
- Orzo Pasta
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Dried Parsley
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Chicken Broth
- Frozen Broccoli
- Heavy Cream
- Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
Substitution Suggestions
- Olive Oil: Any type of neutral oil will work. Avocado, vegetable or canola are good options.
- Chicken Breast: My family likes chicken breast best so I use it the most. However, boneless and skinless chicken thighs would be delicious too!
- Onion: If you don't want chunks of onion in your pasta you can add an additional teaspoon of onion powder or a tablespoon of dried minced onion.
- Garlic: No fresh garlic? No problem, use an extra teaspoon of garlic powder or 2 teaspoons of dried minced garlic.
- Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth adds more flavor, but you could use just water too. Or use water with some chicken bullion.
- Frozen Broccoli: I like to use frozen broccoli because it's easier and I always have some in my freezer. You can use fresh broccoli and add it to the skillet when you add the orzo.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the orzo the best rich and creamy texture. If you need to substitute, you can use half and half, whole milk or any milk you drink. The dish won't be as rich but it will still be creamy.
- Sharp Cheddar & Parmesan Cheeses: I think the extra sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses pairs the best with the broccoli, but you could use a combination of any cheeses really. Monterey jack, pepper jack, cheddar jack, gouda or gruyere paired with Pecorino, Asiago, or Fontina cheeses are all great options. Use your favorites! I don't suggest using mozzarella cheese because it will make the dish stringy rather than creamy.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Chicken
- First, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the diced chicken and season it with a little salt and pepper.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, turning it a few times. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Now add the remaining olive oil to the skillet along with the onions and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Then stir in orzo, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, black pepper and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any bits of flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until the orzo is half done, about 5-6 minutes, and stirring occasionally.
- Remove lid and stir in the frozen broccoli. Cooking uncovered for 3-5 minutes until the orzo is al dente and the broccoli has softened.
- Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the heavy cream and heat through.
- Stir in the cheeses one handful at a time and stirring until fully melted and combined.
- Then stir the chicken back in and heat through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
What to Serve with Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Orzo
This broccoli and orzo with chicken is delicious served with a simple green salad or a warm side of bread. Try it with my Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread, Homemade Garlic Breadsticks, or my simple Garlic Cheese Drop Biscuits. These easy sides help round out the meal and pair perfectly with this cozy, creamy dinner.
If you love cozy one pot orzo dinners, be sure to try my Creamy Chicken Orzo with Mushrooms. It is another comforting, homemade meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Storing Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You may have to add a little chicken broth or milk to help make it creamy again.
Heather's Favorite Tools for this Recipe
- This is my favorite deep skillet for making one pot dinners or this cast iron skillet.
- These nestled bowls are great for prepping ingredients.
- A box grater to grate your own cheese. I use mine almost every day!
- A garlic press works great if you want to use fresh garlic and not have to chop it. I use a Pampered Chef one but this garlic press from OXO is a great one too!
Tips for Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Chicken
- Use a large at least 12 inch deep sided skillet that has a lid. It'll make stirring a lot easier and avoid any unwanted messes on the stove.
- Different brands of orzo pasta can be different sizes. Check your package for the time it takes to make al dente pasta and use that so you don't get hard or mushy pasta.
- Shred your own cheese. It melts easier, won't leave a gritty texture and has the best flavor.
- Do not dump all the cheese in at once, you will end up with a ball of cheese and it won't melt throughout the entire skillet. Gradually add it in and stir it until the cheese is melted each time you add some.
- Let the skillet rest 5 minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and let the sauce thicken.
More One Pot Dinner Recipes:
- Taco Pasta Skillet
- Easy Skillet Lasagna
- Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Ham Fried Rice
- Easy Skillet Goulash
- Chili Mac with Leftover Chili
Did you make this recipe? Rate it!
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Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into 1" pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic, about 3 cloves
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the diced chicken and season it with a little salt and pepper.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, turning it a few times. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet along with the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Stir in orzo, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, black pepper and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any bits of flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until the orzo is half done, about 5-6 minutes, and stirring occasionally.
- Remove lid and stir in the frozen broccoli. Cooking uncovered for 3-5 minutes until the orzo is al dente and the broccoli has softened.
- Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the heavy cream and heat through.
- Stir in the cheeses one handful at a time and stirring until fully melted and combined.
- Then stir the chicken back in and heat through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
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