Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo – A Comforting One-Pan Meal

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the creamy, cheesy goodness of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken, wholesome broccoli, and delicate orzo pasta in a rich, flavorful cheddar cheese sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something warm and satisfying, this recipe is a winner. Not only is this meal incredibly easy to make, but it also comes together in just one pan, meaning less mess and fewer dishes to clean up afterward. The orzo absorbs all the delicious flavors of the chicken and broth, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, the addition of broccoli gives it a nutritious boost, ensuring that this meal is both healthy and indulgent at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes, less cleanup!
✅ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love the cheesy, creamy flavors.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
✅ Balanced & Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
✅ Customizable – You can add extra veggies or swap ingredients to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.

Main Ingredients:

🟢 Chicken Breast (1 large, diced) – Lean and packed with protein, this is the heart of the dish. You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

🟢 Orzo Pasta (1 cup) – A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.

🟢 Broccoli (2 cups, small florets) – Adds color, texture, and nutrition.

🟢 Cheddar Cheese (3 oz, shredded) – The star ingredient that brings everything together with its creamy, sharp flavor.

Flavor Enhancers:

🧄 Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Brings depth and richness to the dish.

🧅 Shallot (1, finely chopped) – Milder than onions, adding a delicate sweetness.

🧂 Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp) – A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for extra flavor.

🫒 Avocado Oil (1 tbsp) – Used for sautéing the chicken; olive oil works as well.

🧈 Butter (2 tbsp) – Helps create a rich, velvety sauce.

Cooking Liquid:

🍗 Chicken Broth (2 ½ cups) – The orzo cooks in the broth, absorbing its delicious flavor.

🌶️ Black Pepper (½ tsp) & Salt (¼ tsp) – Essential seasonings to enhance the taste.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1️⃣ Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Add the diced chicken and season it with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3️⃣ Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
4️⃣ Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1️⃣ In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.