Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
This cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is the ultimate comfort food in one skillet, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is nearly tender.
- Stir in broccoli florets, cover again, and cook for 4–5 minutes until bright green and tender.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Return chicken to skillet, toss everything together, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy. Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for a different flavor twist. Dice chicken and chop broccoli ahead of time to save minutes on a busy night. Add mushrooms, spinach, or peas for more color and nutrients.