A creamy, comforting one-pan dish loaded with tender chicken, colourful veg, and rich cheesy orzo. Perfect for a cosy weeknight meal!
This cheesy chicken & broccoli orzo recipe is the ultimate comfort dinner that cooks all in one pan. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy, gooey cheese come together in a rich sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cosy evenings. With simple ingredients and minimal washing up, this dinner delivers big flavour with even less effort.
There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal, especially on those busy evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have the time—or energy—for a long list of steps or a pile of washing up. This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo is exactly that kind of dish: simple, hearty, and full of flavour, yet still quick enough for a weeknight.
It brings together tender smoked-paprika chicken, a colourful mix of vegetables, and a rich, creamy orzo that absorbs every bit of flavour as it cooks. The result is a bowl of pure comfort food that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can pack in whatever vegetables you have in the fridge, swap the cheeses to suit your taste, or adjust the consistency by adding a little more stock or milk to make it as creamy as you like. The finely chopped broccoli melts into the orzo as it cooks, giving you an extra boost of greens without overpowering the dish.
It’s also a great way to sneak in veggies for fussy eaters—everything blends beautifully together.
The combination of parmesan and cheddar gives the orzo that perfect cheesy richness, while the mixed herbs add warmth and depth. Because the orzo cooks directly in the pan with the stock, it becomes incredibly flavourful, almost risotto-like but far quicker to prepare. Paired with the juicy, seasoned chicken, this is a meal that feels complete, filling, and wonderfully satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping lunches for the week, or simply treating yourself to a cosy homemade dinner, this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s fuss-free, flavour-packed, and guaranteed to hit the spot every time.
Can I make this orzo vegetarian?
Yes. Swap the chicken for chickpeas or extra vegetables like mushrooms and peas, and use vegetable stock.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Add frozen broccoli a few minutes earlier so it cooks through with the orzo.
Can this be made ahead?
Yes. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stove with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is great for gooey melt, but gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses also work well.
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Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Recipe | One Pan Wonder
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