Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo

Name: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo (One-Pan)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, thin-cut fillets; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning; 1 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 2 medium carrots, shredded; 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets; 1/2 cup half-and-half; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Flaky salt, for garnish

This one-pan broccoli cheddar chicken orzo combines seared chicken breast with creamy, cheesy orzo pasta loaded with broccoli and carrots—a hearty weeknight meal inspired by classic broccoli cheddar soup.

🌍American 🏷️Broccoli cheddar 🏷️Orzo 🏷️Chicken 🏷️One-pan meal Pasta

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

-0:00

moribyanonTikTok

Total

40 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$32–$53

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by moribyan

-0:00

moribyanonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, thin-cut fillets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo
3 cups chicken broth
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp turmeric
2 medium carrots, shredded
1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Flaky salt, for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, and lemon pepper to create the chicken marinade.
2
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss until fully coated.
3
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and orzo, and toast for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5
Pour in the chicken broth and season with cayenne pepper and turmeric. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6
After a few minutes of simmering, stir in the shredded carrots.
7
When the orzo is about halfway cooked, add the broccoli florets and continue to cook, stirring occasionally.
8
Once the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stir in the half-and-half and shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
9
Slice the cooked chicken breast.
10
Serve the creamy orzo topped with the sliced chicken. Garnish with flaky salt, if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before seasoning so they cook uniformly and stay juicy; sear over medium-high heat 6–7 minutes per side for 165°F internal temp.
Toast the orzo briefly in olive oil before adding liquid to deepen its flavor and prevent sticking.
Stir the pasta frequently during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even heat distribution in a one-pan setup.
Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick after adding cheese.

Substitutions

Orzo → small pasta shells or ditalini (cook time may vary by 1–2 minutes)
Cheddar cheese → gruyère or fontina (sharper, earthier flavor profile)
Chicken breast → boneless, skinless chicken thighs (slightly longer sear, richer taste)
Fresh broccoli → frozen broccoli florets (add directly; no thaw needed, reduce liquid by 2–3 tbsp)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess; do not microwave chicken directly as it may dry out.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. Thighs will take 2–3 minutes longer to sear and may release more moisture; adjust liquid if needed.

How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?

Add the orzo after searing the chicken and seasoning. Stir often, and taste at 8–10 minutes to catch it al dente.

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare and sear the chicken, then cook the pasta separately and store both in the fridge. Combine and warm gently before serving to avoid overcooking the chicken.