Go Back
Close up photo of glossy cheddar cheese sauce coating orzo pasta with visible sear marks on chicken chunks in a One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Orzo dish.

One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Orzo with Creamy Cheddar Sauce

This One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Orzo features golden-seared chicken and vibrant broccoli tossed in a glossy cheddar sauce. A 30-minute weeknight dinner that is high in protein and made entirely in one skillet.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta dry
  • 3 cups Broccoli Florets fresh, bite-sized
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese freshly grated
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth low sodium
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • 1 tbsp Butter unsalted
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes for garnish
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet 12-inch preferred for best searing
  • 1 Wooden spoon For deglazing and stirring

Method
 

Searing and Simmering
  1. Heat oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken chunks and sear for 4 minutes until golden-brown marks appear. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add dry orzo and stir for 2 minutes until toasted and fragrant.
  3. Pour in broth and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Cover and cook for 4 more minutes. Remove from heat, fold in cheddar cheese until glossy, and garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes.

Notes

Use a block of cheddar and grate it yourself for a smoother sauce.
Stir the orzo frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.