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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 87 reviews

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, creamy one-pan dish combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and tender orzo pasta, all melded together with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of spice. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and fulfilling without a fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 head broccoli, chopped into small florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking onion and garlic)

Orzo and Seasonings

  • 18 ounces chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season evenly with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan, cover, and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent and slightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the aromas.
  4. Cook the orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, and add the paprika, red pepper flakes, and uncooked orzo. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (deglaze). Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes or until the orzo is just short of al dente based on package instructions.
  5. Steam the broccoli: Remove the lid and stir in the chopped broccoli florets. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the broccoli to steam and the orzo to finish cooking. Most of the liquid should be absorbed by now.
  6. Finish the dish: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked chicken. Cook gently on low heat for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy. Remove from heat, cover loosely, and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded for better melting and flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level, or omit if sensitive to heat.
  • Ensure not to overcook the orzo; it should be al dente to maintain a pleasant texture.
  • 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 whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.

Keywords: cheesy chicken orzo, broccoli orzo, one pan dinner, creamy chicken pasta, quick chicken dinner

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/cheesy-chicken-broccoli-orzo-recipe/