Print

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken breast, vibrant broccoli florets, and creamy, cheesy orzo pasta. Infused with garlic, onion, and fresh herbs, it’s a quick, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balanced blend of protein, vegetables, and carbs in a cheesy, lemony sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Veggies

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small chunks
  • 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Herbs

  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano, or parsley) for garnish

Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups cheese total (1/2 cup parmesan and 1 cup cheddar)

Pantry Staples

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as olive or vegetable oil)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle them evenly with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until it is no longer pink in the center and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, reserving any juices, and keep it covered on a plate to stay warm.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the butter followed by the finely chopped onion and broccoli florets. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, building a rich flavor base for the dish.
  3. Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toss it to coat well with the buttery vegetable mixture. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the orzo cook uncovered for approximately 10 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it absorbs all the broth and becomes tender and plump.
  4. Incorporate Cheese and Chicken: Once the orzo is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the parmesan and cheddar cheeses until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the cheesy orzo mixture.
  5. Final Touches and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano and sprinkle with fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley for a bright, flavorful finish before serving.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier texture if preferred.
  • Substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock for a vegetarian version (omit chicken and use plant-based cheese for vegan).
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing for a bit of heat.
  • Orzo can be replaced with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or risoni.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken orzo recipe, easy chicken dinner, broccoli orzo, cheesy orzo pasta, one-pan chicken meal, quick weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/easy-chicken-and-broccoli-orzo-recipe/