Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo
A comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and orzo pasta wrapped in a silky cheese sauce—perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta use gluten-free orzo if needed
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour use gluten-free flour for GF version
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk dairy or a creamy non-dairy alternative
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 0.25 cup plain breadcrumbs or crushed crackers optional for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a little thyme.
- In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly golden and almost cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cooking the aromatics and roux
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic for 30 seconds, then sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to form a light roux, cooking for 1 minute.
Adding liquids and orzo
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the orzo and return the chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Finishing touches
- Add the broccoli florets on top, cover, and cook 3–4 more minutes until broccoli is bright and tender-crisp.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Optional baking for a golden top
- If you want a crusty topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with a little butter and Parmesan, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden (watch closely).
Notes
Tips for success: Stir every few minutes while simmering to prevent sticky orzo. Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Use freshly shredded cheese for better texture. For lighter version, use lower-fat dairy options.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
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