One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Dive into a mouthwatering bowl of One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, where tender chicken meets vibrant broccoli and creamy cheddar in a delightful dance of flavors! This hearty, protein-packed dish is not only a breeze to whip up but also a surefire way to impress your dinner crew. Get ready to savor every cheesy, veggie-filled bite!
Prep
12
min
Cook
25
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
📝 Ingredients
Shopping List
- 4 cup (946 ml) broccoli spears
- 1 cup (237 ml) cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ lb (680 g) chicken breasts
- 2 tsp (10 ml) dried parsley
- 1 ¼ cup (296 ml) dry orzo
- 1 cup (237 ml) grated carrots
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) ground meatd garlic
- ⅓ cup (78 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (59 ml) parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (237 ml) yellow onion
Pantry Items
Amounts also listed in instructions below
- bay leaf (to taste)
- 3 cup (710 ml) chicken broth
- dried thyme (to taste)
- garlic powder (to taste)
- olive oil (to taste)
- onion powder (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- red pepper flakes (to taste)
- salt (to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2
Add cubed chicken and cook until browned.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic, onion, and cook until softened.
- 4
Add broccoli, carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley, red pepper flakes, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- 5
Pour in the orzo and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- 6
Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
- 7
Stir in milk, cheddar cheese, and parmesan until melted and creamy.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cube chicken into uniform 3/4-inch pieces and sear at medium-high heat (325-350°F surface temp) without moving for 2-3 minutes to develop Maillard browning before stirring.technique3/4-inch cubes, 325-350°F
- ✓Add broccoli florets during the last 4-5 minutes of orzo cooking time to maintain vibrant color and crisp-tender texture while avoiding overcooking into mushy gray pieces.timing4-5 minutes
- ✓Use a 2:1 ratio of chicken broth to orzo by volume and maintain a gentle simmer (185-190°F) to prevent orzo from becoming gluey while ensuring proper liquid absorption.technique2:1 ratio, 185-190°F
- ✓Remove pot from heat before adding cheese and stir in gradually to prevent breaking - temperatures above 160°F will cause cheddar proteins to seize and create grainy texture.techniqueBelow 160°F
- ✓Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid before adding dairy because the starchy liquid helps bind the cheese sauce and prevents separation during reheating.ingredient1/2 cup reserved liquid
Share this recipe
Prep
12
min
Cook
25
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Dive into a mouthwatering bowl of One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, where tender chicken meets vibrant broccoli and creamy cheddar in a delightful dance of flavors! This hearty, protein-packed dish is not only a breeze to whip up but also a surefire way to impress your dinner crew. Get ready to savor every cheesy, veggie-filled bite!
📝 Ingredients
Shopping List
- 4 cup (946 ml) broccoli spears
- 1 cup (237 ml) cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ lb (680 g) chicken breasts
- 2 tsp (10 ml) dried parsley
- 1 ¼ cup (296 ml) dry orzo
- 1 cup (237 ml) grated carrots
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) ground meatd garlic
- ⅓ cup (78 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (59 ml) parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (237 ml) yellow onion
Pantry Items
Amounts also listed in instructions below
- bay leaf (to taste)
- 3 cup (710 ml) chicken broth
- dried thyme (to taste)
- garlic powder (to taste)
- olive oil (to taste)
- onion powder (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- red pepper flakes (to taste)
- salt (to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2
Add cubed chicken and cook until browned.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic, onion, and cook until softened.
- 4
Add broccoli, carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley, red pepper flakes, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- 5
Pour in the orzo and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- 6
Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
- 7
Stir in milk, cheddar cheese, and parmesan until melted and creamy.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cube chicken into uniform 3/4-inch pieces and sear at medium-high heat (325-350°F surface temp) without moving for 2-3 minutes to develop Maillard browning before stirring.technique3/4-inch cubes, 325-350°F
- ✓Add broccoli florets during the last 4-5 minutes of orzo cooking time to maintain vibrant color and crisp-tender texture while avoiding overcooking into mushy gray pieces.timing4-5 minutes
- ✓Use a 2:1 ratio of chicken broth to orzo by volume and maintain a gentle simmer (185-190°F) to prevent orzo from becoming gluey while ensuring proper liquid absorption.technique2:1 ratio, 185-190°F
- ✓Remove pot from heat before adding cheese and stir in gradually to prevent breaking - temperatures above 160°F will cause cheddar proteins to seize and create grainy texture.techniqueBelow 160°F
- ✓Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid before adding dairy because the starchy liquid helps bind the cheese sauce and prevents separation during reheating.ingredient1/2 cup reserved liquid