Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a simple, delicious, and comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, providing a balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience – Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich broccoli, and satisfying orzo.
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs.
- Creamy & Comforting – A light yet satisfying meal with a creamy texture without heavy cream.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Orzo pasta
- Broccoli florets
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Butter
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté diced chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics – In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Toast the Orzo – Add the orzo to the pan and toast for a minute to enhance its flavor.
- Simmer with Broth – Pour in chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the orzo cook, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broccoli – Stir in broccoli florets and cook until tender.
- Combine Everything – Return the chicken to the pan, mix well, and cook until everything is heated through.
- Finish with Parmesan & Lemon – Stir in butter, Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, creamy finish.
- Serve & Enjoy – Let rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make it Creamier – Add a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a gooey, cheesy version.
- Gluten-Free Version – Swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just add it straight to the pan without thawing; it will cook quickly.
What can I substitute for orzo?
You can use rice, quinoa, or small pasta like couscous as an alternative.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it in at the end for an even quicker meal.
How do I prevent orzo from sticking?
Stir frequently while cooking and ensure there’s enough broth to keep it from drying out.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and makes a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Peas, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions.
Can I use water instead of broth?
Yes, but broth adds more flavor, so consider seasoning the dish more if using water.
What protein can I use besides chicken?
Turkey, shrimp, or even sausage would work well in this dish.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
How can I make it extra flavorful?
Try adding a splash of white wine, fresh herbs, or a bit of garlic butter for extra depth.
Conclusion
Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a quick, satisfying, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy texture, simple ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner or a meal-prep option, this dish has you covered!
Print
Chicken and Broccoli Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a quick and easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta come together in a flavorful, cheesy sauce. It’s a comforting dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer dish)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Toast the Orzo – Add the orzo to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
- Add the Liquid – Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Orzo – Let the orzo cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until almost tender.
- Add the Chicken and Broccoli – Stir in the cooked chicken and broccoli. Cover and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the orzo is fully cooked.
- Make it Creamy – Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella (if using). Mix until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve & Enjoy – Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Swap out the broccoli for spinach, peas, or bell peppers if you prefer.
- Make it extra creamy by stirring in a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a super quick version.
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