Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is the ultimate comfort dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty chicken and vibrant broccoli. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this one-pot recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

The orzo absorbs the rich chicken broth and cream, creating a creamy base that’s perfectly complemented by the savory chicken and melted sharp cheddar. It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that the whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Comforting and Creamy: The combination of creamy heavy cream, savory chicken broth, and melted sharp cheddar makes every bite rich and indulgent, perfect for comfort food lovers.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot dish is a time-saver for busy weeknights, yet still feels like a hearty, satisfying meal.

Packed with Flavor: The savory depth from Worcestershire sauce, the aromatic blend of garlic and Italian seasoning, and the earthy, fresh taste of broccoli make this dish full of flavor without being overwhelming.

Hearty Yet Light: With chicken, orzo, and broccoli, it strikes the perfect balance between a filling meal and one that won’t weigh you down, making it great for any occasion.

Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender pasta make this dish a hit with kids, while the addition of broccoli sneaks in a nutritious veggie without them noticing!

Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on preference or what you have on hand—try different cheeses, add extra veggies, or switch up the protein for variety.

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes it even more appealing—cook everything in one pot for less hassle and more time to enjoy your meal.

Key Ingredients:

Orzo Pasta – A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce, making it the perfect base for this dish.

Chicken Stock – Adds depth of flavor and richness, infusing the orzo with savory goodness.

Heavy Cream – Creates a luscious, velvety texture in the sauce, making the dish wonderfully creamy.

Shredded Chicken – Provides protein and heartiness, with rotisserie chicken being a convenient option for a quick prep.

Broccoli Florets – Adds a fresh, crisp texture and a healthy veggie element to balance out the richness of the cheese and cream.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully into the sauce, giving the dish its signature cheesy, savory flavor.

Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a subtle tang and umami depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 medium onion, diced

2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

2 cups chicken stock

1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Add Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender but still vibrant.

Season and Toast: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the pasta to lightly toast and the flavors to combine.

Simmer the Mixture: Pour in the chicken stock, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed.

Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, mixing well to incorporate. Allow the chicken to warm through, about 2 minutes.

Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. If the sauce needs thickening, cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes to set.

Notes:

Broccoli Texture: If you prefer your broccoli more tender, you can cook it for an extra minute or two. However, be careful not to overcook it, as you want it to retain some crunch and vibrant color.

French Onion Chicken

Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, And Cheese Casserole

Homemade Beef Stew

Substituting Chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use leftover cooked chicken or quickly cook some chicken breasts or thighs and shred them. Ground chicken or turkey would also work if you prefer a leaner option.

Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a combination of milk and a little cornstarch for thickening. Keep in mind that the texture and richness will be slightly different.

Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or gouda would give the dish a different flavor and melt beautifully.

Make It Spicier: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.

One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is designed to be made in one pot for convenience. However, if you don’t have a large enough pot, you can cook the orzo separately and then combine the ingredients in a pan to finish the dish.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to help restore the creaminess.

Meal Prep: This dish works well for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, portion it out, and refrigerate or freeze individual servings for later.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or mini shells.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package directions for your chosen pasta and adjust the liquid as needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made ahead of time.

Prepare it, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! You can use frozen broccoli in place of fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish to avoid excess moisture.

Add it after the garlic and seasoning have been cooked, and follow the same cooking process.

Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?

Yes, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a combination of milk and cornstarch to thicken it.

For a dairy-free version, you could try coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute, although this will change the flavor slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! To make the dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for additional flavor and texture.

You could also use a plant-based protein if desired.

How do I prevent the orzo from getting too mushy?

To prevent the orzo from becoming mushy, be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time.

Orzo cooks quickly, so once you add the broth and cream, simmer it gently (not at a full boil) and stir occasionally.

Also, avoid overcooking it—check for doneness around the 10-minute mark, as it should be al dente.

Can I make this recipe without using Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, you can omit the Worcestershire sauce if you prefer or don’t have it on hand.

It adds a savory, umami flavor, but you can replace it with a splash of soy sauce, a bit of Dijon mustard, or a dash of hot sauce for a similar depth of flavor.

What should I do if my sauce is too thin?

If your sauce seems too thin after cooking, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.

You can also cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes after removing it from the heat to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce before finishing.

Can I use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe!

It makes the dish quicker and easier, as the chicken is already cooked.

Just shred or chop it and add it in when the orzo is nearly done, allowing it to warm through in the sauce.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a little heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce when cooking the garlic and seasonings.

You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or use a spicier cheese, like pepper jack, to give the dish an extra kick.