Description
A creamy and comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar in a luscious sauce made with chicken broth and heavy cream. Ready in just 30 minutes, this skillet recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Protein and Cheese
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering, creating the fat base for sautéing.
- Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent, building flavor.
- Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, allowing them to begin softening while retaining some crispness.
- Add garlic, seasoning, and orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of orzo pasta. Toast for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to coat the orzo and release the garlic’s aroma.
- Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer orzo: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Incorporate chicken: Stir in 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken and heat through by cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Season and rest: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Let the dish sit for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed frozen broccoli florets for best texture.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Stir often while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the skillet.
- Leftovers reheat well and thicken over time; thin with a splash of broth or cream if needed when reheating.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with mozzarella or a cheese blend for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
