When it comes to weeknight dinners, most of us want meals that are wholesome, flavorful, and easy to prepare without creating a mountain of dishes. That’s where Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo shines. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy, pasta-like orzo into one satisfying skillet meal. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, yet light enough to leave you feeling nourished instead of stuffed. Best of all, this recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it the perfect option for busy evenings.
Unlike traditional pasta dishes that require multiple pots, this recipe is cooked in one pan. The orzo absorbs all the flavors of garlic, chicken, and broth as it simmers, resulting in a rich and cohesive dish. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, chicken and broccoli orzo is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients
To ensure consistency and the best flavor, measure carefully.
For the Chicken and Orzo:
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium), cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (warm)
1 cup milk (whole milk preferred, or half-and-half for creamier texture)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, cut into bite-sized pieces)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasonings adhere and allows for better browning. Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss well to coat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This aromatic base lays the foundation for the dish.
Step 4: Toast the Orzo
Stir in the uncooked orzo, allowing it to toast in the onion-garlic mixture for 1–2 minutes. Toasting enhances the nutty flavor of the pasta and prevents it from becoming mushy as it cooks.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits from the chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Add Broccoli and Chicken
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the broccoli florets. If using fresh broccoli, cover and steam directly in the pan until tender. For frozen broccoli, thaw slightly before adding to prevent excess water. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together.
Step 7: Finish the Dish
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and zest (if using). The cheese creates a creamy, cohesive sauce, while the lemon adds brightness that balances the richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve hot straight from the skillet for a cozy, family-style presentation.
Conservation and Storage
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
For best texture, freezing isn’t ideal since orzo and broccoli can become mushy. However, if necessary, freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the chicken and make the orzo gummy.
Variations
Cheesy Upgrade: Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar along with the Parmesan for extra creaminess.
Spicy Version: Stir in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño with the garlic for added heat.
Herb Lovers: Add fresh thyme or basil to the dish for a fragrant twist.
Protein Swaps: Use boneless chicken thighs, turkey, or even shrimp in place of chicken breasts. Shrimp should be added in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese in place of Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
With Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette for freshness.
With Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up the creamy sauce.
As Meal Prep: Portion into containers with a side of roasted vegetables for grab-and-go lunches.
For Entertaining: Serve in a large skillet garnished with parsley and lemon wedges for an impressive yet effortless presentation.
Wine Pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy orzo and bright lemon notes.
Conclusion
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients to create a dish that feels special. With simple pantry staples, tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and the creamy comfort of orzo, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience. It’s adaptable enough to suit different tastes, from adding extra spice to making it vegetarian-friendly, and it reheats beautifully for busy weeknights.
Whether served as a family dinner, a meal prep staple, or a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, chicken and broccoli orzo is sure to earn a permanent spot in your rotation. With its one-pan convenience and comforting flavors, it’s the perfect example of how delicious home cooking can also be practical.
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Easy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, one-pan pasta dish made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and orzo simmered in a garlic-infused broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty skillet meal comes together in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium), cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (warm)
1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, cut into bite-sized pieces)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tbsp)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes
Instructions
Prep the Chicken – Pat chicken cubes dry. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook Chicken – Heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics – In the same skillet, add onion. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
Toast Orzo – Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes to enhance flavor.
Add Liquids – Pour in broth and milk, scraping browned bits from the pan. Bring to simmer, then reduce heat. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
Add Broccoli & Chicken – Stir broccoli into the orzo during the last 5 minutes. Return chicken to the pan and mix well.
Finish & Serve – Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, and zest. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley, cheese, or red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh broccoli for best texture, but thawed frozen florets work too.
Toasting the orzo prevents mushiness and adds a nutty flavor.
Add a splash of broth or milk if sauce thickens too much before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meal
- Method: Skillet / One-Pot
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken and broccoli orzo, easy chicken orzo, creamy chicken broccoli pasta, one-pan chicken orzo