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 cast-iron casserole recipe that’s better(ish) for you and ready in less than an hour.  

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Cheesy broccoli orzo with tender, juicy bites of chicken is a recipe your entire family will enjoy. Here are a few reasons this is one of our favorite cast-iron casserole recipes.

• It’s a one-skillet recipe, so your clean up is as easy peasy as making the recipe itself.
• It uses better-for-you ingredients, including skim milk, low-fat cheese, whole wheat orzo pasta and whole wheat panko.
• It’s both comforting and healthy! Think of it as a broccoli orzo recipe you can feel good about feeding your family (without compromising on flavor).
• It’s ready in under an hour and many of the ingredients can be prepped in advance. That means this is a great recipe for busy weeknights.

I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe as much as ours does! Let’s dive in.

The Ingredients

When I say this broccoli cheddar orzo is 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. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Chicken breast
• Onion
• Garlic cloves
• Broccoli florets
• Cheddar cheese
• Whole wheat orzo
• Panko bread crumbs
• Milk
• Chicken stock
• Paprika, salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Substitutions

• Chicken – This recipe calls for chicken breast, but feel free to use rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken.
• Cheese – We use two different types of low-fat cheddar in this broccoli & cheese bake, but feel free to mix things up. Monterrey Jack and Pepper Jack are delicious options. We highly recommend buy blocks of cheese to shred at home, but pre-shredded cheese works just fine if that’s your preference.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Think of this cheesy broccoli orzo as an elevated version of traditional broccoli and cheese casserole. It tastes like comfort – but with better-for-you ingredients. Serve with a simple side salad and enjoy!

Step 1. Prepare for tender, juicy chicken.

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

Heat a cast-iron or oven-friendly skillet to medium-high heat and add extra-virgin olive oil. Add diced chicken, season with smoked paprika, salt and pepper, and sauté until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Your chicken will not be cooked through yet.

Step 2. Prepare to cook the orzo.

Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-45 seconds. Add whole wheat orzo and sauté for another minute or so.

Step 3. Create cheesy broccoli orzo goodness.

Add the broccoli, diced chicken, chicken stock and milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in about half of the cheese and simmer for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the pasta is al dente. Turn off the stove and remove from heat.

Step 4. Bake and enjoy!

Top the skillet with remaining cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted. Top with whole wheat panko bread crumbs (optional), salt and pepper to taste, and serve. Enjoy!

Make Ahead + Storage

Several of the ingredients for this broccoli cheddar orzo can be prepared in advance.

Chop your broccoli florets in advance and store in an airtight container or storage bag in the fridge. Make sure to wash and thoroughly dry prior to storage.

Shred the blocks of cheese in advance and store in an airtight container or storage bag in the fridge.

Store leftover cheese broccoli orzo in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

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