Description
This creamy chicken and broccoli orzo is a one-pan comfort dish made with tender chicken, cheesy orzo, and fresh broccoli. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in under 45 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup orzo
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or parsley), for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and broccoli; cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add orzo and stir to coat. Pour in chicken stock and simmer uncovered for 10–11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Stir in cheddar and parmesan until melted and creamy. Return chicken and juices to the pan and mix well.
- Turn off heat, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use mushrooms or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Swap broccoli for cauliflower, asparagus, or peas.
- Ditalini, small shells, or rice can replace orzo.
- Try different cheeses like gruyere or mozzarella.
- Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available—just use 1/3 the amount.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
