Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, fuss-free meal that blends the rich creaminess of melted cheese with tender chunks of chicken and nutrient-packed broccoli. It begins with juicy, bite-sized chicken pieces seared to a golden brown, followed by a sauté of fresh broccoli and aromatic onions. The orzo pasta simmers in savory chicken broth until tender, then is enveloped in a velvety mix of cheddar and parmesan cheeses. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of herbs round out the flavors, delivering a creamy, tangy, and savory one-pan dish that’s perfect for hectic weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
You’ll love this recipe because it solves the age‑old question: “What’s for dinner?” With just one skillet, minimal prep, and ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, it delivers big on flavor without fuss. The combination of juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and cheesy orzo feels indulgent—but it’s balanced and approachable, perfect for both picky kids and grown‑ups craving something hearty yet wholesome. The cheeses melt into a silky base around the orzo, while the lemon juice and fresh herbs add brightness. In short, it’s a family‑pleasing, all‑in‑one dinner that’s as comforting as it is convenient.
Ingredients
Here’s a refined list you can follow or easily adapt:
- 1 Tablespoon cooking oil (olive or vegetable)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite‑size pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups broccoli florets (small pieces)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups low‑sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- Chopped fresh herbs for garnish (basil, oregano, or parsley)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
- Cook the chicken
Start with 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Cook about 3 minutes per side, until no longer pink inside. Transfer chicken (with juices) to a plate and cover to stay warm. - Sauté the vegetables
Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and broccoli, cooking for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute. - Add orzo and broth
Next, stir in the orzo, making sure it’s evenly coated with the butter and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10–11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender. - Melt in cheese and combine
Mix in the parmesan and cheddar cheeses until they melt smoothly into the pasta and vegetables. - Return the chicken
Add back the cooked chicken along with its juices. Stir until everything is well combined. - Finish with lemon and seasoning
Remove skillet from heat. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and stir. Taste, and if needed add more salt or pepper to suit your preference. - Garnish and serve
Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan and chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or parsley) over the top, if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Cut chicken evenly so pieces cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcook the garlic—add it toward the end of vegetable sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Stir orzo frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly grated cheeses, especially parmesan, for best melting and flavor. Pre‑grated varieties often contain anti‑caking agents that affect texture.
- Adjust the broth amount slightly (±¼ cup) depending on how creamy you want the orzo—less for firmer, more for creamier texture.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice, as it brightens and balances the richness of the cheese.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein swaps: Replace chicken with cubed turkey breast or lean diced ham. You could also sauté shrimp or crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheese alternatives: Try combining mozzarella and Gruyère or swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper Jack for a spicy kick.
- Veggie variations: Substitute broccoli with asparagus, spinach, peas, or zucchini depending on what’s in season or your preference.
- Grain alternatives: Use rice-shaped cauliflower for a lower-carb version or swap orzo for small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even quinoa for gluten‑free.
- Herb and citrus twists: Finish with fresh lemon zest, a squeeze of lime juice, or chopped cilantro for a bright flavor variation.
Storage Instructions
- To refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- To reheat: Stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore the creamy texture.
- To freeze (optional): While the texture may change slightly, you can freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with additional liquid if needed.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings total):
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Protein: 40 g (from chicken and cheese)
- Carbohydrates: 45 g (mostly from orzo)
- Fat: 25 g (butter and cheese)
- Fiber: 3–4 g (broccoli contributes to fiber)
- Sodium: ~900–1,000 mg (adjustable by using low-sodium broth and limiting added salt)
These values are estimates and will vary depending on exact product brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this dish on its own for a full protein + veggie meal in one pan.
- Pair with a crisp green side salad with lemon‑vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables.
- Add crusty garlic bread or warm naan on the side to mop up any cheesy sauce.
- Offer extra grated parmesan and fresh herbs on the table so each person can customize their portion.
- For a lighter twist, serve over fresh baby spinach or arugula that wilts under the warm orzo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets work well in a pinch. Just add them during the sauté step and allow a few extra minutes for them to heat through.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish dairy‑free or vegan?
Absolutely. To make it dairy‑free, swap the butter for olive oil or vegan margarine, and use dairy‑free “parmesan” seasoning and vegan cheddar cheese. For a vegan protein, substitute chicken with cubed tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The result may be less creamy, but still flavorful and satisfying.
Q: What if I don’t have parmesan at home?
If you’re missing parmesan, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor. Or use extra cheddar or another hard cheese like Asiago. Freshly grated is still best.
Q: Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?
For faster meal prep, consider cooking the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and storing them separately. This way, final assembly is even quicker when you’re ready to eat.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, one-skillet dinner made with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and two cheeses. Quick, hearty, and perfect for busy nights—try it and savor the comfort!
Ingredients
1 tbsp cooking oil (olive or vegetable)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups broccoli florets
1 cup orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano), for garnish
Instructions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onions and broccoli and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in orzo and mix well. Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10–11 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix in parmesan and cheddar until melted. Return the cooked chicken and juices, and stir to combine.
Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning. Garnish with herbs and extra cheese.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated cheese.
Stir the orzo often while cooking to prevent sticking.
Adjust broth to control creaminess.
Frozen broccoli can be used—add it with onions and cook a few minutes longer
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 40 g
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe! I hope you enjoy how the creamy, melty cheeses combine with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli—it’s such an easy, satisfying, one‑pan dinner. From its simple ingredient list to the flavorful finishing touch of lemon and herbs, this dish is designed to bring comfort, ease, and deliciousness to your table. I truly love serving it to family and friends on busy nights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking for a quick, crowd‑pleasing meal, this recipe comes together beautifully. Thanks for being part of this food‑loving community—here’s to many more joyful cooking moments. Wishing you a flavorful, fun, and easy cooking experience!