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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is a one-pan dinner with creamy cheddar sauce, tender bite-size chicken, and bright green broccoli florets. Toasted orzo simmers in broth and heavy cream until creamy, then finishes with melted sharp cheddar and Parmesan for golden cheese pull.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and seasoning
  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Salt To taste.
  • pepper To taste.
  • garlic powder To taste.
  • smoked paprika To taste.
Orzo and sauce base
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves Minced.
  • 1.5 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
Broccoli and cheese
  • 2 cup broccoli florets Cut small.
  • 1.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Grated.
  • Fresh parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Cook the chicken
  1. Season the bite-size chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove to a plate.
Simmer the orzo
  1. In the same pan, cook the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  2. Cook the orzo uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring often. Add the broccoli florets in the last 4 minutes so they turn bright green and become just tender.
Make it creamy and finish
  1. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan until melted and the orzo is creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

Pro tip: stir frequently while the orzo simmers so it stays creamy instead of clumping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezing isn’t recommended for best texture. Dietary swap: use half-and-half or a lower-fat cream substitute, knowing the sauce may be slightly less rich.