Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy or whipping cream; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you have been on the hunt for a comforting yet wholesome one-pot meal to wow your family and friends, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe. It’s a heartwarming blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and surprisingly creamy orzo, all enveloped in a luscious cheesy sauce that hits every note of cozy satisfaction. This dish is quick enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Once you try it, the combination of flavors and textures will have you hooked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white pot with a green handle, there is a layer of small, translucent diced onions cooked to a soft texture, spread evenly across the bottom. On top of the onions, there is a scattered layer of bright green broccoli florets, fresh and vibrant. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with subtle gray veins, adding a clean and elegant background. The lighting is natural, capturing the freshness of the vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe plays a starring role to bring balance, flavor, and color to the table. From the richness of the butter to the fresh crunch of broccoli, these simple essentials come together to create a dish that feels both hearty and fresh.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté vegetables evenly without burning.
Butter: Provides a creamy richness and depth of flavor to start off the base.
Onion (chopped): Brings a natural sweetness that softens and complements savory ingredients.
Broccoli florets: Introduce vibrant color and a tender-crisp texture—essential for freshness.
Garlic (minced): Delivers an aromatic punch that livens up the whole dish.
Italian seasoning: Enhances with a fragrant herbiness that rounds out the flavors.
Uncooked orzo pasta: Acts as the perfect bite-sized carb, creamy when cooked and great at soaking up flavors.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to cook the orzo beautifully.
Heavy cream: Creates the silky, indulgent sauce that makes this dish feel decadent.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle tangy umami boost, layering complexity into the sauce.
Cooked shredded chicken: The protein star that makes this dish satisfying and complete.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, tangy layer that perfectly coats every bite.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance the whole dish.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the onion

Start by warming the olive oil and butter together in a pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness to build the flavorful foundation of your dish.

Step 2: Cook the broccoli

Add the broccoli florets into the pot and stir them around for 2 minutes. This quick sauté keeps the broccoli bright green and tender-crisp, preserving its nutrients and adding that perfect pop of color and texture.

Step 3: Infuse with garlic, seasoning, and orzo

Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds. This step awakens the garlic’s aroma and lets the herbs and pasta mingle before adding liquids, setting the stage for a flavorful cooking liquid later.

Step 4: Simmer with broth and cream

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it just to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer—medium or medium-low. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often. The orzo cooks as the liquid gently bubbles, absorbing all those creamy, savory flavors without reducing too much, which keeps the texture perfectly lush.

Step 5: Stir in chicken

Once the orzo is tender, fold in the shredded chicken. This warms the salty, juicy chicken pieces throughout the dish, spreading protein evenly so every bite sings with hearty goodness.

Step 6: Melt in the cheese and season

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until beautifully melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper—you’ll want a bit of brightness to balance the creamy richness. If the sauce is a bit thin, simply cover the pot and let it rest for a few minutes; it will thicken into the perfect creamy consistency.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

This image shows a white bowl filled with creamy pasta mixed with shredded light-colored chicken and small bright green broccoli florets. The pasta is small and looks smooth with a pale yellow sauce coating every piece, blending well with the tender chicken strips and green broccoli. A shiny silver spoon rests in the bowl, partially covered by the creamy mix, and a woman's hand holds the handle. The background surface is a white marbled texture, adding a clean and fresh look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this dish instantly. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika also adds a subtle smoky dimension that pairs wonderfully with the cheddar.

Side Dishes

Since this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe is a complete meal on its own, sides should be light and complementary. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of balsamic glaze brighten the table without overpowering the creamy mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream for a cozy, rustic look. For dinner parties, try serving in mini cast-iron skillets to keep the meal warm and impress your guests with a homey presentation that feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making reheated portions even more comforting and satisfying.

Freezing

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers, and leave some extra space for expansion. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a little chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 45 seconds until warmed through and creamy once again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken or only rotisserie?

You absolutely can use fresh cooked chicken, whether grilled, baked, or sautéed. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut with great flavor, but fresh chicken works wonderfully and lets you season it to taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use cooked chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken to keep the dish satisfying yet vegetarian-friendly.

Can I substitute another cheese for cheddar?

Sharp cheddar gives this recipe its signature tangy, melty texture, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for creaminess or gouda for a smoky flavor. Just choose a good melting cheese to maintain that luscious sauce.

What type of orzo is best for this recipe?

Regular uncooked orzo pasta works best as it absorbs the liquids and flavors during cooking. Avoid pre-cooked or instant orzo, as it won’t hold up well in the simmering process.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free cheese substitute. Adjust seasonings accordingly for best flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe is truly one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the loving cooking process transforms everyday staples into something extraordinary. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving comfort food on your own, this dish is bound to be a winner. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need