Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; ½ medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen); ½ tsp Italian seasoning; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that brings together the best of creamy, cheesy, and fresh flavors, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli, and deliciously creamy orzo pasta, all smothered in sharp cheddar cheese. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend meal, this dish delivers big on taste, texture, and easy preparation, making it a favorite that you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step to making a truly flavorful Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy richness of heavy cream to the vibrant crunch of fresh broccoli, creating layers of taste and texture you’ll love.

Olive oil: Adds a light, fruity base for sautéing and helps marry the flavors together.
Butter: Brings a silky richness that deepens the overall flavor.
Onion (½ medium, chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of warmth and depth that wakes up the dish.
Broccoli florets (2 cups): Fresh or thawed frozen works perfectly, contributing vibrant color and a delightful crispness.
Italian seasoning (½ tsp): A fragrant herb blend that enhances every bite with Mediterranean flair.
Orzo pasta (1 cup): The star carb that cooks up creamy and tender, soaking in all the delicious flavors.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Infuses the orzo with savory depth and keeps the dish juicy.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Ensures the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Adds a subtle umami boost, balancing the creaminess with a touch of tang.
Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a shortcut that adds tender, juicy protein.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, delivering bold, cheesy goodness.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings, adjusted to taste for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Broccoli

Start by heating together olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. The combo of oil and butter gives a perfect balance of flavor and smooth cooking. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Adding the broccoli next, cook it for an additional two minutes so it slightly tenderizes but still keeps a bit of crunch. This step builds a fragrant and textured base for the dish.

Step 2: Toast Garlic, Seasoning, and Orzo

Now, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Let the garlic release its enticing aroma for just a few seconds, then add the orzo pasta. Toasting the orzo for about 30 seconds helps to deepen its flavor and adds a nutty note that makes this dish stand out.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth, Cream, and Worcestershire Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat so it simmers uncovered. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and allow the orzo to cook through as the liquid reduces, about 10 minutes. This is where the creaminess and richness start developing and the dish begins to come together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Melt Cheese

Once the orzo is tender and saucy, stir in the cooked shredded chicken to warm it through. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and creamy. This step transforms the dish into the ultimate cheesy comfort food you’re dreaming of.

Step 5: Season and Let it Thicken

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly. This resting time also allows all the flavors to meld perfectly before serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Garnishes

To add a fresh pop to your plate, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top right before serving. A little cracked black pepper on the finished dish offers a nice contrast as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This rich and hearty Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is fantastic for soaking up any extra sauce. For something lighter, steamed green beans or roasted cherry tomatoes create lovely complementary textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo in individual ramekins and broil the tops with a sprinkle of extra cheese for a golden crust. You could also transform it into little stuffed peppers by filling halved bell peppers and baking until tender. This dish is so versatile, it can easily be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, allow the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days. You’ll find that the flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and you can keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave room for expansion and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating and preserve that luscious cheesiness.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! While broccoli is classic here, you can swap it for spinach, peas, asparagus, or even roasted bell peppers. Just adjust cooking times so veggies stay fresh and vibrant.

What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut for this recipe, but leftover roasted or grilled chicken works beautifully too. You just need about 2 cups shredded chicken, cooked through.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or even small gluten-free grains like quinoa for a similar texture and taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add some hearty mushrooms or chickpeas for protein, and you’re good to go.

How do I make sure the cheese melts smoothly?

The key is to remove the skillet from heat before stirring in the cheese. Adding cold cheese straight into high heat can cause it to seize up. Stir gently off the heat until it melts into a creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is one of those feel-good meals that warms the soul and satisfies every craving. Easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and versatile enough for any weeknight, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food that brings family and friends back for seconds!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A creamy and comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo dish combining tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Instructions

Heat oil and butter: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter together until melted and hot, creating a flavorful base for the vegetables.
Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Add broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes to start tenderizing them while keeping their bright green color.
Toast garlic, seasoning, and orzo: Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir continuously and toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and allow the orzo to cook fully.
Incorporate chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, mixing well so the meat heats through evenly.
Melt cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese slowly until completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season and thicken: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

Use freshly cooked orzo pasta if preferred to reduce cooking time in the skillet.
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Frozen broccoli can be used but make sure it’s thawed and drained to avoid excess water.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
To make it Gluten Free, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American