Broccoli Cheddar Orzo With Chicken Recipe

I am delighted to share my new Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Chicken recipe that marries tender chicken cubes with broccoli, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese. I enjoy creating protein dinners for family that spark nourishment and delight. This one pot meal is satisfying, inventive, and sure to intrigue your palate.

I recently discovered this amazing dish called Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Chicken and it quickly became one of my favorite weeknight dinners. It’s an easy one pot meal thats perfect for busy nights when you want a quick meal plan without sacrificing flavor.

I like to start with 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small cubes and lightly sauté them in 1 tbsp olive oil along with a chopped small onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Adding in 1 cup orzo pasta and letting it soak up 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup whole milk creates a rich base for the dish.

Then I fold in 2 cups chopped broccoli florets and finish with 2 tbsp butter, salt, pepper, and 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese to make it super cheesy. This high protein, secret healthy recipe is perfect for family dinners where a hearty yet guilt free meal is key.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a one pot wonder that makes cooking and cleanup way easier than most meals I try. Everything just cooks together, saving me tons of time after a long day.

I really like how the cheesy, creamy sauce comes together with the chicken and veggies. It kinda reminds me of comfort food when I’m craving something warm and satisfying, and even my family always asks for seconds.

I also appreciate that it’s a secretly healthy meal. Somehow it manages to pack in plenty of protein and veggies while still being super flavorful and indulgent. It just makes me feel good knowing I’m eating something that tastes amazing and is also nourishing.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Lean protein that builds muscle and adds great flavor without being overpowering.
• Broccoli: Crunchy, fiber-rich veggie loaded with vitamins and minerals for everyday health.
• Orzo: Small pasta full of carbohydrates that provides energy and a filling base.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, creamy, and tastes amazing.

  It also gives a protein boost.

• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat that helps keep flavors balanced and food moist.
• Onion: Offers a slight sweetness and essential antioxidants that brighten up the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped roughly
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes seasoned with salt and pepper and cook until they’re lightly browned on all sides.

2. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion starts getting soft, about 2 minutes.

3. Stir in the orzo pasta, then pour in the chicken broth and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Once simmering, add the chopped broccoli florets and the butter. Stir everything together so the butter melts and coats the ingredients.

5. Let the orzo cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broth should reduce and the orzo will absorb most of the liquid.

6. When the orzo is almost done and the broccoli is tender, lower the heat to a simmer.

7. Slowly stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the dish gets a creamy texture.

8. Taste your dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, high protein meal with your family!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot – you need this to cook the chicken and orzo together
2. Chef’s knife – essential for cutting the chicken, onion, and broccoli
3. Cutting board – for safely chopping your ingredients
4. Measuring cups and spoons – to precisely measure the chicken broth, whole milk, olive oil, and butter
5. Wooden spoon – to stir the ingredients while they cook
6. Ladle – helpful when serving the dish onto bowls
7. Garlic mincer or knife – for mincing the garlic cloves if you prefer a finer texture

FAQ

Broccoli Cheddar Orzo With Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken: If you’re looking for something different, you can use turkey breast or even firm tofu instead of chicken breast.
• Olive oil: Sometimes you might not have olive oil, so a light vegetable oil or even a bit of melted butter works fine.
• Chicken broth: If you’re out of low-sodium chicken broth, try using vegetable broth or even beef broth if you’re up for a twist.
• Whole milk: If you can’t have dairy, you might use unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk in its place.
• Sharp cheddar: When you cant find sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack or Colby cheese can work as a decent replacement.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure not to overcrowd your pan when browning the chicken cause if the pan is too full, the chicken steams instead of browning and you lose that awesome sear and flavor.
2. When you’re about to add the cheese lower the heat really low so the cheese melts smoothly without getting grains or weird texture – it might seem small but it changes the whole dish.
3. Stir the orzo often while it cooks so it doesnt stick to the bottom of the pan, trust me it’s annoying trying to scrape it off later on.
4. If you want to boost the flavor, throw in a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or basil near the end of cooking so they dont get all burned and still give a nice aroma.