Let me tell you about my absolute favorite cozy meal: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta in a way that just sings comfort. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress my family and friends. The rich, cheesy goodness is paired with the subtle crunch of broccoli, which not only adds color but a delightful texture. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—it’s just that good! Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo masterpiece. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the fantastic flavors!

2 cups orzo pasta: This tiny pasta cooks up quickly and absorbs all the creamy goodness.
1 pound chicken breast, diced: I like to use boneless, skinless chicken for easy cooking and tender bites.
2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, this adds a pop of color and nutrients!
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show! It melts beautifully and adds that cheesy richness.
1 cup chicken broth: This enhances the flavor; I always opt for low-sodium to keep things balanced.
1 cup milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but you can use your favorite alternative!
2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chicken and adding a touch of flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that aromatic kick.
1 teaspoon onion powder: This adds depth and sweetness without any chopping!
Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust to your preference—seasoning is key!

How to Prepare Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a delightful Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo ready to dig into. It’s really straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re new to cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by cooking the orzo. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the orzo is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot to give the chicken a good sear!
Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure it hits 165°F (75°C).
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. You want that beautiful color to shine!
Now, pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir everything together, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
Once it’s simmering, add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Give it a good stir to mix everything up!
Finally, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it’s melted and everything is beautifully combined. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in just 35 minutes!
Comforting flavors: The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli is simply irresistible.
Nutritious: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is a wholesome choice for the whole family.
Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or add spices for extra flair.
Kid-friendly: The cheesy goodness makes it a hit with even the pickiest eaters!

Tips for Success

To make your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First off, don’t overcook the orzo—aim for that perfect al dente texture, as it’ll continue to cook a bit once combined with the sauce. If you want extra creaminess, feel free to add a splash more milk or broth when you stir in the cheese. Oh, and a little extra cheese never hurts, right? Also, don’t skip seasoning! A little salt and pepper can make all the difference in flavor. Finally, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container but know that they may thicken as they chill—just add a dash of milk when reheating to bring back that creamy consistency!

Variations

There are so many fun ways to customize your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the broccoli for other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas—just add them at the same time you would the broccoli! For a protein boost, throw in some cooked bacon or sausage. If you love a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. And don’t forget about the cheese—mix it up with mozzarella, gouda, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers of your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it looks a bit thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up and restore that creamy texture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Trust me, it’s just as comforting the next day!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. Each serving packs about 450 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 30 grams of protein—perfect for a filling meal! You’ll also get around 54 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of sugar. Plus, it has 2 grams of fiber, which is always a bonus. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a solid idea of the delicious goodness you’re enjoying!

FAQ Section

Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, feel free to substitute with any small pasta like macaroni or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

Is this dish gluten-free? Yes! This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is gluten-free if you use gluten-free orzo. Just check the label to be sure.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients ahead and cook it just before serving. If you make it in advance, store it in the fridge and reheat as needed.

What can I add for extra flavor? A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the flavors beautifully! Don’t be shy to experiment!

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! You can freeze the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, but keep in mind it may change texture a bit. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo: 7 Comforting Reasons to Dive In

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and cheesy dish featuring chicken, broccoli, and orzo pasta.

Instructions

Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
Add broccoli and cook until tender.
Pour in chicken broth and milk, then stir in cooked orzo.
Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to substitute vegetables as desired.
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

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