One Skillet Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo

This One Skillet Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo is he ultimate easy weeknight dinner recipe! It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and perfect for the whole family.

Orzo, broccoli, and chicken are coated in a creamy cheese sauce that simply melts in your mouth. Made in one pan and perfect for your weekly rotation!

One Skillet Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo

It reminds me of the broccoli cheese rice casserole I would have growing up. All the same flavors, but made with orzo and slightly healthier! It’s absolutely delicious as a main meal served with a side salad. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Simply re-heat on the stovetop or in the microwave and serve!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Olive oil.
  • Butter.
  • Shallot.
  • Garlic.
  • Orzo pasta.
  • Broccoli florets.
  • Chicken broth.
  • Milk.
  • Shredded Rotisserie chicken.
  • Salt + Pepper.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Parsley.
One Skillet Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo

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One Skillet Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

One Skillet dinner recipe, Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo

This One Skillet Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo is the absolute perfect weeknight meal. It’s ready in just about 30 minutes, made in one skillet, and perfect for the whole family (toddlers included!)

  • Author: Lindsay Cola (Tippens)
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 T olive oil
  • 1 T butter
  • 1 shallot, minced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 112 oz bag broccoli florets, chopped (about 34 cups)
  • 3 cups chicken broth, more if needed
  • 1 cup milk (I used whole milk)
  • 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great, however boneless skinless chicken breasts work as well)
  • Salt + Pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 T chopped parsley, for serving, optional
Scale

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot, add shallots and cook until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the butter, garlic, and orzo, and cook until orzo is slightly golden and toasted; being careful not to burn it; 1-2 minutes. Add broccoli to skillet and cook an additional minute or two.
  2. Pour in broth and 1/2 c milk, and season with salt and pepper.  Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until orzo is cooked/al dente and liquid has reduced. You may need to an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth. 
  3. Add in shredded chicken and remaining 1/2 c milk; stir and simmer another 2-3 minutes. (You want the consistency to be creamy, not soupy! Simmer for a few extra minutes if you need liquid to reduce down
  4. Stir in cheddar cheese and adjust salt and pepper at this time.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve! ENJOY!!!
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14 Comments

  • Reply
    Alessandro
    August 11, 2021 at 8:29 am

    Sooooo gooooood! Thank you for the recipe.






  • Reply
    Nikki Broussard
    August 26, 2021 at 5:20 pm

    So good, easy and comforting! Everyone in the family loved it including a 1yo and 4yo. Will make again and again!






    • Reply
      Lindsay Cola (Tippens)
      August 27, 2021 at 1:03 pm

      Hi Nikki! SO happy to hear it!! It really is such a good family recipe. Thank you so much for sharing!!

  • Reply
    Mary Ellen Reuter
    September 27, 2021 at 8:50 am

    Are you using frozen broccoli for this recipe?

    • Reply
      Lindsay Cola (Tippens)
      October 18, 2021 at 7:20 am

      I was not, I was using fresh broccoli. You could use frozen, however, it holds more moisture so keep that in mind but it should work fine!

  • Reply
    McKay
    November 2, 2021 at 9:03 am

    Made this last night, so delish! I was wondering if you have any instructions for preparing ahead and freezing it?

    • Reply
      Lindsay Cola (Tippens)
      September 6, 2022 at 2:32 pm

      Hi there! I haven’t frozen this recipe yet, but I think if you make ahead and then let cool completely, you could transfer to freezer in air tight containers and it would do great. Then reheat in the oven or on the stove top!

  • Reply
    Emily
    March 10, 2022 at 7:45 pm

    Incredible! Made this tonight and it was above and beyond my already high expectations! Have sent it to a bunch of friends and will definitely make again! Thanks!!






  • Reply
    Cassie
    July 9, 2023 at 12:42 pm

    Love this recipe! So easy and absolutely delicious! Making this for dinner again tonight. I don’t have a shallot so subbing small onion. YUM!






  • Reply
    Holly
    January 8, 2024 at 10:20 pm

    Would this work with rice instead of orzo?

    • Reply
      Lindsay Cola (Tippens)
      February 21, 2024 at 1:39 pm

      Hi! Yes, it definitely would! The rice cook time may vary a bit but it should turn out the same!

  • Reply
    Hailey
    January 9, 2024 at 6:08 pm

    This is delicious!! First time making it and will definitely make again.






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