Go Back
Creamy cheesy chicken broccoli orzo dish in a white bowl.

Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Ultimate

This ultimate Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo dish is a culinary masterpiece that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce, all tossed with delicious orzo pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • whisk
  • Stirring spoon
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, sauté the chicken and garlic in the butter until the chicken is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and well combined.
  7. Add the cooked orzo and broccoli to the skillet, and stir to combine.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The key to achieving the perfect creamy, cheesy texture is in properly tempering the cheese by first creating a roux. Adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the broccoli is tender-crisp. This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.