Description
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a comforting, one-pan meal combining tender rotisserie chicken, nutritious broccoli, and chewy orzo pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. This quick and easy skillet recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that delivers hearty flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Produce
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 package (12 ounces) frozen broccoli cuts
- parsley, chopped for garnish
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 3 cups (720 g) chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Dairy
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
- 2 cups (226 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded
Protein
- 2 cups (280 g) rotisserie chicken, shredded, diced
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Ingredients: Add 8 ounces of orzo pasta to the skillet along with 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup whole milk, 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 12 ounces frozen broccoli, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 16-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked through with a firm, chewy texture and the broccoli is tender.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted into a creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for garnish. Serve the creamy chicken and broccoli orzo warm.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation but you can also roast or poach your own chicken breast.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk and reduce the cheese amount.
- Stir frequently toward the end of cooking to prevent orzo from sticking to the skillet.
- You can swap white cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
- If broccoli is fresh, steam or blanch beforehand to ensure tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
