Healthy Chicken and Broccoli-Cheddar Orzo Bake [One Skillet Dinner]
Master this easy 45-minute One Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake! Get the recipe for creamy, healthier comfort food with quick prep and minimal cleanup.
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast diced in ½ inch pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat orzo
- 2 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 ½ 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
- ¼ cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs optional
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Move an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat your 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 sear until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. (Your chicken is not cooked through yet—it will finish safely in the simmering liquid later.)
- Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-45 seconds. Add the whole wheat orzo and sauté for another minute to lightly toast the pasta, enhancing its flavor.
- Add the broccoli, seared chicken, chicken stock, and milk. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in about half of the shredded cheese and simmer for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the pasta is nearly al dente (firm to the bite). Turn off the stove and remove from heat.
- Top the skillet with the remaining cheese and bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly (about 5-8 minutes). Top with whole wheat panko bread crumbs (optional), return to the oven for 2 minutes to crisp the topping, and serve.
Notes
- Toasting the whole wheat orzo with the aromatics for just one minute (See Step 2) creates a deeper, nuttier flavor and prevents the pasta from getting sticky later on.
- For the best melt, I highly recommend buying a block of cheese and grating it at home. Reduced-fat pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents (starches) that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- To help prevent your skim milk from separating or "breaking" when added to a hot skillet, allow the milk to come to room temperature before using.
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