Oh my goodness, you guys, this cheesy chicken broccoli orzo recipe is an absolute game-changer! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this dish when I want something comforting yet quick. It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it comes together in just about 30 minutes! Imagine tender orzo pasta coated in a luscious, cheesy sauce, with juicy chicken and vibrant broccoli mixed in—honestly, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. And the best part? It’s so easy to customize! Whether you’ve got fresh or frozen broccoli on hand, or want to throw in some extra cheese, this dish is all about making it your own. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients for your cheesy chicken broccoli orzo. Trust me, you’ll love the way they come together!
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of creating this cheesy chicken broccoli orzo! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds and absolutely delicious!
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
First things first, grab a large pot—something sturdy works best. Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when the chicken hits the pan but not so hot that it smokes. This is the base of all the goodness!
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Now, toss in your 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nice and browned on the outside and no longer pink in the middle. That golden color is key for flavor!
Step 3: Add Broccoli
Next, it’s time to bring in the greens! Add 2 cups of broccoli florets and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and just tender, not mushy. This adds a lovely crunch and freshness to the dish!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s make it creamy! Stir in 2 cups of orzo pasta, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of milk. Make sure to mix everything well so that the orzo is evenly coated and submerged. It’s like a cozy blanket for the pasta!
Step 5: Simmer
Bring your pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want the orzo to stick to the bottom. Stir occasionally to ensure everything cooks evenly and absorbs all those flavors.
Step 6: Stir in Cheese
Once the orzo is al dente and creamy, it’s cheese time! Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens—it should be ooey-gooey and absolutely delicious!
Step 7: Season to Taste
Finally, it’s time to flavor it up! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and taste for balance. Adjust as needed—I like it a little peppery, but you do you!
And there you have it! Your cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is ready to be devoured. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed in this cheesy chicken broccoli orzo recipe! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each satisfying serving.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not only comforting and delicious but also gives you a hearty dose of protein and veggies to keep you feeling satisfied. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: You can whip this up in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal!
- Deliciously creamy and cheesy: The combination of cheddar cheese and creamy sauce makes every bite irresistible.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccoli, it’s a wholesome dish.
- Customizable: You can easily add in your favorite veggies or even swap the cheese for something different!
- One-pot wonder: Less mess and fewer dishes to wash—who doesn’t love that?
Tips for Success
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your cheesy chicken broccoli orzo turns out perfectly every time!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also adds a beautiful color and crunch to your dish. If you’re using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained before adding.
- Don’t skip the stirring: Keep stirring the orzo as it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This also helps to evenly distribute the creamy sauce!
- Adjust the cheese: If you love extra cheesiness (who doesn’t?), don’t hesitate to add more cheese as it melts in. Just be aware it may affect the creaminess.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to play around with different herbs and spices! A pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor even more.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up a bit more, making it even creamier!
With these tips, you’ll master the art of cheesy chicken broccoli orzo and impress everyone at the dinner table!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful cheesy chicken broccoli orzo, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to really elevate your meal experience!
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion to soak up any extra creamy sauce. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the orzo. It’s a great way to balance the meal!
- Steamed Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrition, serve with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots. They’ll add color and additional nutrients to your plate.
These sides not only complement the flavors of your cheesy chicken broccoli orzo but also make for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers from your cheesy chicken broccoli orzo (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping all that creamy goodness intact!
First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s well-sealed so it doesn’t absorb any other flavors from the fridge. If you’re looking to keep it longer, you can also freeze it! Scoop the orzo into a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, and it’ll last for up to 2 months. Just remember to label it with the date—you’d be surprised how fast time flies in the freezer!
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze. If it’s frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, you can pop it in the microwave—just add a splash of milk or a bit of chicken broth to loosen it up and prevent drying out. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed through, usually about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer the stovetop, place it in a pan over medium heat with a splash of liquid, stirring occasionally until hot and creamy again. Easy peasy!
And there you go! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your cheesy chicken broccoli orzo anytime you crave that delicious comfort!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy garlic parmesan pasta recipe or this creamy chicken gnocchi recipe for a delightful twist on comfort food!
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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe: 30-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful cheesy chicken broccoli orzo dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add orzo, chicken broth, and milk.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Adjust cheese amount for desired creaminess.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken broccoli orzo recipe
