One Pan Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Tender chicken, broccoli and orzo in a creamy cheddar sauce for an easy, comforting one-pan dinner.

By @thecookingmawma

Original recipe source

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 5

Ingredients

• 2 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon onion powder for the chicken
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder for the chicken
• 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste, for the chicken
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika for the chicken
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper for the chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for the chicken
• 3 tablespoon butter
• 1 whole white or yellow onion diced
• 1 whole carrot peeled and grated
• 3 clove garlic cloves minced
• 1.5 cups uncooked orzo
• 3 cups chicken broth plus more if needed
• 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder or more to taste
• 2 cups broccoli florets chopped into small pieces
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Toss the chicken with the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and the center reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate. Chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pan. Add the onion and carrot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Onion and carrot are softened and garlic has cooked briefly.
3. Add the orzo and stir for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the bouillon. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Orzo has toasted briefly and simmered uncovered for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the broccoli, cover and simmer for another 5–7 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked to your liking. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth if the pan gets too dry. Orzo is tender and broccoli is cooked to your liking.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Return the chicken and any juices to the pan, then stir in the heavy cream. Add the cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes, until the chicken is heated through. Cheddar is melted and the chicken is heated through.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a splash of broth if you prefer a looser sauce, then serve warm. Seasoning has been adjusted to taste and the dish is served warm.