Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a quick, one‑skillet dinner that blends tender diced chicken, bright broccoli, and fluffy orzo in a creamy cheddar sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this high‑protein, kid‑friendly meal delivers comfort food vibes with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to customize with extra veggies or a sprinkle of cheese, making it an ideal recipe to pin, share, and enjoy repeatedly. Add a pinch of smoked beef for depth, and serve with a big green sa
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5‑7 minutes.
- Push the chicken to the side, add the dry orzo, and toast for 1‑2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the broccoli florets, cover, and cook an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and the orzo is tender.
- Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra cheese or a drizzle of melted butter.
Notes
- For a richer flavor
- add a pinch of smoked beef during the final cheese‑melting step. Serve immediately with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, one skillet chicken dinner, easy chicken orzo, quick broccoli recipe, family weeknight meals, high protein pasta, creamy chicken orzo, chicken broccoli casserole, 30 minute meals, kid friendly dinner