Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets
03 -
1 cup (180 g) orzo pasta
04 -
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
→ Seasonings
05 -
1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
06 -
1 teaspoon (3 g) onion powder
07 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 -
1 teaspoon (1 g) dried Italian herbs (optional)
→ Liquid & Dairy
09 -
1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
10 -
1 cup (240 ml) milk or heavy cream
→ Cheese
11 -
150 g shredded cheddar cheese
12 -
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
→ Garnish
13 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat chicken breasts dry and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 -
In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
04 -
Add orzo pasta to the boiling broth. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is al dente.
05 -
While orzo cooks, steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, or add them directly to the skillet for the last 3 minutes of orzo cooking.
06 -
Reduce heat to low. Pour in milk or heavy cream, stirring to blend with orzo and broccoli.
07 -
Gradually add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan, stirring until cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. To thin, add more milk or broth if needed.
08 -
Stir in dried Italian herbs if desired, mixing to distribute flavor.
09 -
Gently fold sliced chicken and cooked broccoli into the cheesy orzo mixture, mixing until thoroughly combined.
10 -
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Optionally, top with additional cheese and broil until golden and bubbling. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
# Notes:
01 -
Allow the chicken to rest after searing to seal in juices and ensure tenderness.
02 -
Gradual cheese incorporation prevents graininess and achieves a creamy texture.