Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal – Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes and more flavor in every bite.

• Fast and easy – Ready in under 45 minutes, this is a weeknight dinner win.

• Family-friendly – Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and pasta are a guaranteed hit with kids.

• Balanced and hearty – A complete meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one dish.

• Flexible ingredients – Easy to adapt based on what you have at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• 1 pound chicken breast (cut into small chunks)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons butter

• ½ onion (finely chopped)

• 4 garlic cloves (minced)

• 1 ½ cups broccoli florets (cut into small pieces)

• 1 cup orzo

• 3 cups chicken stock

• 1 ½ cups cheese (½ cup parmesan and 1 cup cheddar)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano, or parsley)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped onion and broccoli. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to coat it in the buttery vegetable mixture. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Chicken
Stir in the parmesan and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Return the chicken and its juices to the pan and mix to combine.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Stir in lemon juice and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10–15 minutes

• Cook time: 25–30 minutes

• Total time: 35–45 minutes

• Difficulty: Medium

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Omit chicken and use mushrooms or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

• Different vegetables: Swap broccoli for cauliflower, asparagus, or frozen peas.

• Alternative pasta: Try ditalini, small shells, or even rice if you’re out of orzo.

• Cheese options: Use gruyere, mozzarella, or fontina. Keep a little parmesan for depth of flavor.

• Fresh or dried herbs: Use what you have. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity to one-third of fresh.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The orzo may absorb some of the liquid, but it’s still delicious.

• Freeze: Cool completely before freezing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Note that the broccoli may soften slightly upon thawing.

• Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water if the pasta seems dry.

FAQs

What is orzo, and can I substitute it?

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta. If you're out of orzo, try small pasta like ditalini or rice—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, skip the cheese and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but thighs or even turkey work well too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats well. Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer until needed.

How do I avoid mushy orzo?

Use the correct liquid-to-orzo ratio (3:1) and stir often while cooking to prevent sticking or overcooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. Just thaw it first or add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free orzo or pasta to make it gluten-free.

How do I keep the cheese from clumping?

Add the cheese gradually over low heat after the orzo is fully cooked, and stir continuously for a smooth sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it at the end to heat through. It’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken.

What side dishes go well with this?

A light salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms pair well with this dish.

Conclusion

This easy chicken and broccoli orzo is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With one pan, simple ingredients, and under an hour of your time, you’ll have a flavorful, creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknights or casual family dinners. Keep it classic or customize it your way—it’s guaranteed to be a regular on your meal rotation.