Hey y’all! If you’re looking for an irresistibly cheesy, hearty dish that’s sure to bring smiles to the table, this Broccoli Cheddar Baked Chicken Orzo is just what you need. It blows ordinary casseroles out of the water with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy cheddar, and perfectly baked orzo all in one pan. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food, fancy enough for guests but quick enough for busy evenings. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Baked Chicken Orzo
- One-pan wonder means fewer dishes and fuss.
- Loaded with wholesome protein, veggies, and melty cheddar cheese.
- Perfectly creamy and comforting, yet packed with flavor and texture.
- Meal-prep friendly and makes amazing leftovers.
- Customizable for picky eaters and easy to adapt for dietary needs.
Broccoli Cheddar Baked Chicken Orzo Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups (200g) broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) dry orzo pasta
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions: How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Baked Chicken Orzo
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Sauté the Base
In the skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the diced onion, and cook for 3-4 minutes until it’s softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add diced chicken, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned but not cooked through.
Stir in the chopped broccoli, orzo, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer while stirring frequently.
Step 4: Bake the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo
Once it begins to simmer, sprinkle in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar and the Parmesan. Stir gently until just combined.
Transfer the skillet (or mixture from the skillet) to the prepared baking dish if not using an oven-safe pan. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top. Bake uncovered for another 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the orzo is just tender.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Let the dish stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired, and dig in!
Notes for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Baked Chicken Orzo
- If you prefer extra gooey cheese, stir in a little more cheddar before baking again.
- For creamy, evenly cooked orzo, make sure to cover tightly with foil for the first bake.
- Check out Serious Eats’ casserole tips for more ideas to perfect your bake.
Variations on Broccoli Cheddar Baked Chicken Orzo
- Mushroom & Spinach: Swap broccoli for mushrooms and spinach for an earthy twist.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add corn, black beans, and pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free version.
Required Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet or 9×13-inch baking dish
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon and spatula
- Aluminum foil
Broccoli Cheddar Baked Chicken Orzo Storage Instructions
- Let any leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat portions in the microwave on medium heat or covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout.
- This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for freshness.
- Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up that cheesy sauce.
- Pair with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or an iced tea for a comforting meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Baked Chicken Orzo
- For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth (Bon Appetit’s recipe here).
- Don’t overbake—monitor at the 20-minute mark so orzo stays al dente and creamy.
- Try extra-sharp cheddar for a bold, tangy cheese pull (check cheese shopping tips here).
Broccoli Cheddar Baked Chicken Orzo FAQ
- Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
- Absolutely—stir in shredded rotisserie chicken with the broccoli and orzo, then proceed as instructed; skip the browning step.
- Can I prep Broccoli Cheddar Baked Chicken Orzo ahead?
- Yes, assemble everything up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
- What if I don’t have orzo?
- Pearl couscous, ditalini, or any small pasta will work—watch liquid levels and adjust cooking time as needed.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
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2Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until lightly golden, about 5-6 minutes.
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3In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
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4Pour in milk and stir until everything is well combined. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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5Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
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6Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
480 caloriescal
Protein:
38 gg
Fat:
18 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
42 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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