Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo
🥦🧀 A delicious, cozy, and creamy one-pan dish packed with tender chicken, cheesy orzo, and fresh broccoli!
Ingredients
Meat:
1 chicken breast, diced
Produce:
2 cups small broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely chopped
Canned Goods:
2 ½ cups chicken broth
Pasta & Grains:
1 cup orzo
Baking & Spices:
1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp salt
Dairy:
2 tbsp butter
3 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté Aromatics & Orzo:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
3️⃣ Simmer with Broth:
Pour in chicken broth, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
4️⃣ Add Broccoli & Chicken:
Stir in the broccoli florets, cover again, and cook for 2-3 more minutes until the broccoli is tender yet vibrant.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well.
5️⃣ Make it Cheesy & Creamy:
Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Garnish with extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes & Tips
✔️ Extra Creaminess? Add a splash of heavy cream or milk for a richer texture.
✔️ Want More Flavor? Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
✔️ Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or cooked quinoa.
✔️ Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approx.)
Calories: 400
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 40g
Fats: 15g
Health Benefits 🌿
✅ High in Protein – Keeps you full and supports muscle growth
✅ Broccoli Power – Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
✅ Balanced Meal – Carbs, protein, and healthy fats in one dish
✅ Quick & Easy – Made in under 30 minutes!
Q/A
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes! Gouda, mozzarella, or Parmesan work great too.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Swap the chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms and use veggie broth.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of broth.