Looking for the ultimate comfort food to cozy up your weeknight dinner rotation? Meet Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo—creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and crisp broccoli, all cuddled up in perfectly cooked orzo. This dish pulls together everything you love about a classic casserole, but in a quick, one-pot wonder that’s luxurious and homey all at once. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want something extra satisfying after a long day, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo checks all the right boxes for flavor, simplicity, and that irresistible “just one more bite” factor.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is in its simplicity—each ingredient has a starring role, blending together for a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and bursting with color. Here’s everything you’ll need along with thoughtful tips to help each component shine.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions for a savory base that starts the whole dish on the right foot.
Butter: For extra flavor and a silky texture that melds seamlessly into the sauce.
Onion (½ medium, chopped): Sweet and aromatic, onion brings depth and heartiness to every bite.
Broccoli (2 cups, bite-size florets): The star green—use fresh for best texture, but frozen works if it’s what you have!
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that irresistible aroma and subtle zing only real garlic provides.
Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): A mix of dried herbs that infuses the whole pot with layers of fragrant flavor.
Orzo pasta (1 cup, uncooked): Tiny, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the creamy goodness for big comfort in every spoonful.
Chicken broth (2 cups): The flavorful liquid foundation that gives the orzo a savory, chickeny boost.
Heavy/whipping cream (1 cup): For luscious, decadent richness—don’t skimp!
Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a sneakily delicious umami punch you’ll miss if you skip it.
Cooked shredded/rotisserie chicken (2 cups): Perfect way to use up leftovers or grab a rotisserie chicken for max convenience and taste.
Shredded sharp cheddar (2 cups): For gooey, melty cheese pulls and bold flavor throughout.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out all the flavors—taste and adjust at the end!

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by adding the olive oil, butter, and chopped onion to a large pot over medium-high heat. Let the onion cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. This first step is all about building a delicious base for your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, creating a subtle sweetness and aroma that instantly makes your kitchen feel cozy and inviting.

Step 2: Add the Broccoli

Next, toss in the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This quick sauté allows the broccoli to soak up flavor while maintaining a vibrant green color and a touch of crunch, ensuring it won’t get lost in the creamy mix later on.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Let everything cook together for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant and the orzo begins to toast. This magical moment releases the herbs’ fragrance and lets the orzo start absorbing all the aromatic flavors, taking your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo to a whole new level.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. As soon as the mixture starts to boil lightly, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often. You want the orzo to cook through and the sauce to thicken, but resist the urge to crank up the heat—gentle bubbling is key here so the cream doesn’t scorch and your pasta stays perfectly tender.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Now it’s time for the chicken! Stir in your cooked, shredded chicken and let it warm through gently in the bubbling sauce. This not only heats up the chicken but gives it a chance to meld with the creamy, cheesy flavors, making each mouthful extra savory.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar until it’s completely melted and the dish turns decadently cheesy. Give it a generous seasoning of salt and pepper to taste—remember, cheese and chicken both appreciate a little extra salt. If your sauce seems too loose, just cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes; it will thicken up beautifully as the orzo continues to absorb the creamy sauce.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Garnishes

To make your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo look as inviting as it tastes, sprinkle a handful of extra shredded cheddar or a dusting of fresh parsley right before serving. A few cracks of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a pop of color and just the right touch of zing.

Side Dishes

While Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo is a satisfying meal all on its own, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Try serving it with a crisp green salad, a hunk of crusty bread to mop up the sauce, or lightly roasted veggies for a colorful, well-rounded plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, scoop your orzo into individual ramekins and broil for a minute or two for golden, bubbling tops. Or, serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo family-style in a big, colorful dish with extra garnishes at the table—let everyone load up their bowl just how they like it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo makes fantastic leftovers. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it rests, so you might even find it tastes better the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo for a future comfort food fix. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure to cool it completely first. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be aware the sauce might separate a bit after thawing, but a gentle reheat with a splash of broth or cream will bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, simply scoop your orzo into a pot or skillet with a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring often, until hot and creamy. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir in between to make sure everything heats evenly and stays nice and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for soaking up all the cheesy sauce, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even mini shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust liquids if needed.

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut and adds wonderful flavor, but any cooked and shredded chicken will work, including poached or leftover roasted chicken. Just make sure it’s well seasoned for best results in your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo.

Can I make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for extra broccoli or your favorite veggie (like mushrooms or peas), and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The dish will still be deliciously creamy and comforting.

Is there a lighter version of this dish?

If you’re looking to cut back on richness, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be a tad less decadent, but you’ll still achieve a wonderful creaminess for your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo.

Will this recipe work for meal prep?

Yes! Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo holds up well in the fridge and reheats like a dream, making it ideal for lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Store in single-serve containers for the easiest grab-and-go meals.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in a cozy, creamy pot of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. I hope you give this recipe a try and let it become a staple in your own kitchen—get ready for rave reviews and plenty of happy tummies!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 16 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender orzo pasta with juicy shredded chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Instructions

Sauté the Onion: Add the oil, butter, and onion to a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes.
Cook the Broccoli: Add in the broccoli and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring often.
Add Orzo and Seasonings: Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo, and cook for about 30 seconds.
Make the Sauce: Add in the chicken broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.
Incorporate Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken.
Add Cheese and Season: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit to thicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American