If you are searching for a comforting, creamy, and utterly delightful dish to cozy up your dinner table, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an irresistible one-pot meal that marries tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked orzo all drenched in a rich and cheesy sauce. Each bite brings warmth and satisfaction with its savory depth and creamy texture, making it a go-to weeknight recipe that feels special without any fuss. Trust me, this is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe comes together quickly and easily. Each component plays a starring role, whether it’s the sharp cheddar adding that cheesy punch or the fresh broccoli providing a pop of color and a nutritious boost.
- Olive oil: A drizzle adds that perfect base for sautéing and infusing flavor.
- Butter: Brings creaminess and richness to the sautéed onions and veggies.
- Onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and crisp, they add vibrant color and a healthy crunch.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory backbone.
- Italian seasoning: A simple blend that brings herbal brightness and warmth.
- Uncooked orzo pasta: The tiny pasta that perfectly soaks up the sauces.
- Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base for cooking the orzo.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess for that indulgent texture.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle tangy depth and umami boost.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Tender protein that makes this meal hearty and satisfying.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): The cheesy hero that melts into every bite.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together just right.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by warming olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s translucent and fragrant. This step releases those gorgeous savory notes that form the flavor foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2: Add the Broccoli
Next, stir in your bright green broccoli florets and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This helps retain their beautiful color and slight crunch, so they don’t overcook later with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Flavor with Garlic, Herbs, and Orzo
Now add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta into the pot. Cook this mix for about 30 seconds to toast the pasta slightly and release the garlic’s aroma—this little step makes a big flavor difference!
Step 4: Cook the Orzo in Creamy Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for roughly 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The orzo will absorb the flavorful liquid while the cream infuses silky richness. Just keep an eye to ensure it stays at a gentle bubble, preventing the liquid from evaporating too fast or boiling over.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, folding it into the creamy, cheesy orzo and broccoli mixture. This step warms the chicken through and helps meld all the flavors into one irresistible dish.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese and Season
Finally, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar until it’s fully melted and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels a little loose, cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top adds a delightful burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the rich, cheesy base beautifully. A light dusting of extra shredded cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For something warm, garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect to scoop up every last creamy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this one-pot wonder straight from the pot for a cozy family dinner or plate it elegantly in shallow bowls sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs and extra cheese for a more sophisticated touch. Individual ramekins baked briefly for a golden crust on top can turn this into a comforting casserole-style delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing.
Freezing
While freezing this dish is possible, the creamy texture may slightly change upon thawing. If you want to freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to bring back that luscious creaminess. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps heat it evenly.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli is a classic here, you can swap in cauliflower, spinach, or even peas. Just keep in mind the cooking times, as some veggies cook faster or slower than broccoli.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If Worcestershire sauce isn’t on hand, a splash of soy sauce or a little balsamic vinegar can provide a similar umami boost. The dish will still be delicious!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Adding extra cheese or even some cooked mushrooms can keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
What type of cheese works best here?
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives that signature tangy cheesiness. However, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a different twist.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats well and can be portioned for lunches or quick dinners. Just store in single-serving containers and enjoy throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe has all the makings of a beloved comfort food that’s simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to impress. It’s creamy, cheesy, fresh, and satisfying all at once. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and see how effortlessly it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender shredded chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and tender orzo pasta all cooked together in a flavorful blend of chicken broth, cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish offers a delicious balance of protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Dry & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta & Protein
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté onion: Add the olive oil, butter, and chopped onion to a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring often to combine and slightly soften the broccoli.
- Add garlic, seasoning, and orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the orzo slightly and release the garlic aroma.
- Cook pasta in liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes uncovered, stirring fairly often to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender but the liquid hasn’t overly reduced.
- Add chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken evenly into the orzo mixture to warm through.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is thinner than desired, cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas if preferred.
- Keep stirring during the simmer to avoid the orzo sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
