Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo Recipe
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and orzo pasta in a rich cheddar sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that’s full of flavor!
Ingredients:
Meat:
- 1 chicken breast, diced
Produce:
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
Pantry:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic and chopped shallot over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and softened.
3. Cook the orzo and broccoli:
- Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it for about 1 minute to lightly toast it.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook the orzo for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nearly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Continue cooking until the broccoli is tender and the orzo is fully cooked.
4. Make the creamy sauce:
- Once the orzo and broccoli are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the milk and stir until the mixture is creamy.
- Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce and everything is well-coated.
5. Combine and serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo warm, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Tips for Success:
- Variations: You can substitute the chicken with other protein options like turkey, shrimp, or even a vegetarian alternative like tofu or tempeh.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, like carrots or peas, for more flavor and texture.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo is a deliciously creamy, cheesy meal that’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!
