PLANT-FORWARD RECIPES FOR THE INSPIRED HOME COOK

One Skillet Chicken and Broccoli-Cheddar Orzo Bake

If you’re like me and grew up eating broccoli and cheese casserole, you’ll appreciate this One Skillet Chicken and Broccoli-Cheddar Orzo Bake. I took one of my favorite childhood flavor profiles – broccoli and cheddar – and created a one-skillet dinner recipe that’s better(ish) for you and ready in less than an hour.  

When I say better(ish), I’m referring to the skim milk,  reduced-fat cheddar cheese, which you can swap for a cheese of your choice, and whole wheat orzo. Think of this One Skillet Chicken and Broccoli-Cheddar Orzo Bake as an elevated version of broccoli and cheese casserole. It tastes like comfort – but with better-for-you ingredients. Serve with a simple side salad and enjoy!

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One Skillet Chicken and Broccoli-Cheddar Orzo Bake

This healthier Chicken and Broccoli-Cheddar Orzo Bake is creamy and cheesy comfort in a skillet – but with fewer calories and less fat than traditional broccoli-cheese casserole. Feel free to swap out the reduced-fat cheddar for your favorite light cheese. 

  • Total Time: 45 mins.
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced in ½ inch pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat orzo
  • 2 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 cup skim milk or milk of choice
  • 8-ounce block reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4-ounce block reduced-fat mild cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs (optional)
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Move an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Notes

  • Reduced-fat pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt well, in my experience. I prefer to buy a block of cheese and grate it myself.
  • Author: Cortney Sparkman
  • Prep Time: 15 mins.
  • Cook Time: 30 mins.
  • Category: One Skillet Dinners
  • Method: Stovetop, Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: broccoli cheddar orzo, one skillet dinner, broccoli and cheese casserole

2 Comments

  1. A new go to meal for us! The flavor is phenomenal and my toddler even loves it!

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Hey! I’m Cortney.
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