Cheesy One-Pot Chicken-Broccoli Orzo
This cheesy chicken-broccoli orzo is a weeknight hero, combining crowd-pleasing flavors in a single pan for effortless cleanup. It’s an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something hearty, comforting, and delicious. While sharp Cheddar adds a rich, savory touch, you can easily swap it with another melty favorite like Gruyère or Swiss.
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
½ teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (from 3 cloves)
6 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1¼ cups whole-wheat orzo (8 ounces)
1 (5.3-ounce) package garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese (such as Boursin)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, divided
Directions
In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper, ensuring it's evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown in spots and an instant-read thermometer reads 165℉ in the center of a piece, about 12 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a bowl, cover to keep warm, and wipe the skillet clean.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 6 cups of broccoli and cook, stirring often, until vibrant green and slightly tender, about 3 minutes. Pour in 3 cups of broth and 1¼ cups of orzo; bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente, 10 to 12 minutes.
Lower the heat to low and stir in 1 (5.3-ounce) package of garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese, ½ cup Parmesan, ½ cup Cheddar, the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and gently fold in the chicken and 1 tablespoon of chives. Top with the remaining ¼ cup of Cheddar and an additional tablespoon of chives.