Irresistibly Flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Orzo in One Pan

A comforting one-pan meal of orzo pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant broccoli. Flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: broccoli dish, chicken recipe, Easy Dinner, Flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Orzo, one-pan meal, orzo pasta

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings: servings

Calories: 550kcal

Equipment

Large skillet

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts fresh or thawed frozen chicken yields the best results

For the Orzo

1 cup Orzo Pasta cook it alongside other ingredients to absorb max flavor

For the Vegetables

2 cups Broccoli add in the last 5 minutes for crunch
1 medium Chopped Onion yellow or white onions are great choices
3 cloves Minced Garlic cook briefly to bring out sweetness

For Extra Creaminess

2 cups Chicken Broth opt for low-sodium to control saltiness
2 tablespoons Butter use for sautéing chicken and vegetables
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese swap with Pecorino Romano for a stronger kick
1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese sharp cheddar elevates the flavor profile

For Seasoning

1 teaspoon Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon Pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice brightens the dish before serving
1/4 cup Fresh Herbs optional for garnishing

Instructions

In a large skillet, warm some oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add 1-inch diced chicken pieces to the skillet. Sauté until no longer pink, about 3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and broccoli, cooking until softened, roughly 5-7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Toss in the orzo, stirring well. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Allow the orzo to cook until tender and the broth is mostly absorbed, about 10-11 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the orzo reaches a creamy consistency, stir in both parmesan and cheddar cheese until melted.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mix thoroughly. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning as needed.
Dish out your Flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Orzo, garnishing with fresh herbs and more parmesan if desired.

Notes

Consider serving with a light green salad for a refreshing contrast.

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