CHICKEN BROCCOLI ORZO: DINNER PERFECTION

I’ll never forget the time my best friend, Sarah, called me in a complete dinner-time panic. Her family was starving, she had nothing planned, and the pressure was on! After calming her down (and maybe suggesting she take a deep breath!), I walked her through a simplified version of what is now my go-to recipe for a Flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Orzo – Quick Dinner. It saved the day, and it’s been a staple in both our kitchens ever since. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Orzo – Quick Dinner you’ll ever make!

Let’s Make Flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Orzo: Your New Weeknight Hero

Alright, friend, are you ready to ditch the dinner stress and whip up something truly delicious? Because that’s exactly what we’re about to do with this Chicken and Broccoli Orzo. This recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also unbelievably quick to make – perfect for those busy weeknights when you just don’t have time for complicated cooking. I’m talking about a complete, satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

• It’s Fast: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at a 30-minute meal.
• It’s Easy: Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this recipe. Trust me!
• It’s Customizable: Feel free to swap out veggies, cheese, or spices to make it your own.
• It’s Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish.
• It’s Flavorful: The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy orzo is simply irresistible.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list!

• Chicken Breast: About 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. We want it to cook quickly and evenly.
• Broccoli Florets: 2 cups, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen). Fresh is always my preference for the best texture and flavor, but frozen works in a pinch!
• Orzo Pasta: 1 cup. Orzo is that cute little pasta that looks like rice – it cooks up beautifully and has a wonderful texture.
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups. This is the base of our sauce and infuses the orzo with delicious chicken flavor.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup. This adds richness and creaminess. Don’t skip it!
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated. Because everything is better with Parmesan! (Plus a bit extra for serving!)
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Essential for that savory flavor we all crave.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
• Butter: 1 tablespoon. A little butter adds extra richness to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy! Seasoning is key to a flavorful dish.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat, lemon juice for brightness, fresh parsley for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Okay, here’s where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time!

1. Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli: Add the butter to the skillet and melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!). Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thawed and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet. This will help it brown better.
3. Add the Orzo and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Stir in the Cream and Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Chicken Back In: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Orzo

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Chicken and Broccoli Orzo turns out perfectly every time!

• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Overcooked orzo will be mushy. Keep an eye on it and cook it just until it’s tender.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-grated Parmesan.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Season: Seasoning is key to a flavorful dish. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
• Add a Splash of White Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after cooking the chicken. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the garlic and broccoli.
• Make it Vegetarian: Easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Different Vegetables: Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or peas.
• Use Different Cheese: Instead of Parmesan, try using Gruyere, Fontina, or Asiago.
• Add a Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Make it Creamier: Add a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese for an even creamier sauce.
• Add Some Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can add a lot of flavor.
• Spice it Up: Thinking of adding some spice? Try a dish like Spicy Chicken Rigatoni for a completely different flavor profile!

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken and Broccoli Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

• Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to this dish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread?
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots would be delicious.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to get ahead of the dinner rush? Here’s how to prep and store your Chicken and Broccoli Orzo.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time to make dinner even faster! For example, you can:

• Chop the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Prepare the broccoli: Wash and chop the broccoli florets and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Mince the garlic: Mince the garlic and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce.

While I don’t recommend freezing this dish (the orzo can become mushy), you can definitely enjoy the leftovers within a few days. You may find that another delicious chicken dish such as SLOW COOKER LEMON CHICKEN is a great freezer friendly make ahead meal, if that’s your goal!

Other Delicious Chicken Dinner Ideas

If you’re looking for more easy and flavorful chicken dinner ideas, here are a few of my favorites:

• HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN PASTA: Sweet, savory, and packed with flavor! This pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, served over rice with your favorite toppings. It’s a flavor explosion!
• High-Protein Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl: A healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
• Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole: A comforting and classic casserole that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It’s easy to make and always a hit with the whole family.

Conclusion

There you have it – a Flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Orzo – Quick Dinner that’s sure to become a weeknight staple in your home. I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing, so don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly the first time. Just keep practicing, and you’ll become a master in the kitchen in no time. Happy cooking, my friend! I know you’re going to absolutely nail it!

Chicken Broccoli Orzo: Dinner Perfection

This Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken and vibrant broccoli are combined with creamy orzo pasta in a flavorful Parmesan sauce for a satisfying and family-friendly dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen thawed
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes
• Optional: Lemon juice
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• cutting board
• knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Garlic press (optional)
• Grater
• spatula or wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the butter to the skillet and melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
4. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thawed and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t overcook the orzo, as it will become mushy. To add a depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after cooking the chicken, before adding the garlic and broccoli. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.