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To make a hearty chicken broccoli orzo, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s the list: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 pound chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a balanced dish full of flavor and nutrition. The orzo pasta gives a nice texture. Chicken adds protein, and broccoli brings vitamins. You can elevate your dish with a few optional ingredients. Though not necessary, they add depth: - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - A splash of white wine for richness - Sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet touch - Fresh basil or thyme for herby notes These optional ingredients can give your dish a unique twist. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! Seasoning is key to making your chicken broccoli orzo shine. Here are some great options: - Freshly cracked black pepper for warmth - Sea salt to enhance flavors - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness - Extra grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess - A sprinkle of chopped parsley for color These seasonings will help you create a dish that is not only tasty but also pleasing to the eye. Garnishes like parsley add a fresh look and extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside. While the orzo cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Cook it until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until it smells nice and fragrant. Next, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Cover the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes. This helps the broccoli steam and become bright green and tender. After the broccoli is cooked, stir in the cooked orzo and the chicken. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss everything together gently over low heat until well mixed and heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and makes everything creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you like. Serve the chicken broccoli orzo hot. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal! To cook orzo just right, use a pot of salted boiling water. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and stir it. Cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Test it for doneness; it should be al dente, firm yet tender. Once done, drain the orzo in a colander. Rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps it from getting mushy. To bring out the best flavors, add a few simple spices. Salt and pepper are a must for seasoning the chicken. You can also sprinkle in some garlic powder for an extra kick. If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes. A touch of Italian seasoning can also work wonders. These spices brighten the dish and make every bite tasty. For a lovely presentation, serve Chicken Broccoli Orzo in bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A few fresh parsley leaves add a nice color contrast. For an extra zing, squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. Enjoy this warm and filling meal straight from the pan! Pro Tips Cook Orzo Al Dente: Make sure to cook the orzo until just al dente, as it will continue to cook when combined with the other ingredients. Season the Chicken Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken; it enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Use Fresh Broccoli: For the best texture and flavor, opt for fresh broccoli florets instead of frozen. Garnish Just Before Serving: Add the chopped parsley right before serving to maintain its vibrant color and freshness. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Chicken Broccoli Orzo. Simply swap the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas. Both add protein and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the dish rich and satisfying without meat. You’ll still enjoy the creamy texture and bright flavors with lemon and cheese. Feel free to get creative with your veggies! You can add bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Each veggie brings a new taste and color. Just chop them up and add them when you cook the broccoli. They will steam nicely and blend well with the orzo. This way, you can customize the dish to your liking. If you prefer whole grain or gluten-free options, you can easily switch the orzo. Whole grain orzo adds fiber and a nutty taste. Gluten-free orzo keeps the dish suitable for those with dietary needs. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. The dish will still taste great and stay creamy with cheese and lemon. To store your Chicken Broccoli Orzo, wait until it cools down. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep out air. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This will keep the dish fresh and tasty. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them properly is key. Place the Chicken Broccoli Orzo in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help bring back moisture. Stir it gently while heating. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it heats evenly. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps to keep the orzo from getting too dry. If you want to save your Chicken Broccoli Orzo for later, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remember to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as described above for the best taste! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the skillet with the chicken broth. Cook until it is bright green and tender. This saves time and adds convenience. It's a great option if you don’t have fresh broccoli on hand. You can use tofu, shrimp, or cooked beans. These options add protein and flavor. If you choose tofu, make sure to press it first to remove extra water. For shrimp, cook until pink and firm. Beans add a nice texture and are easy to prepare. Chicken Broccoli Orzo lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. To enjoy it later, you can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. In this blog post, we explored the ingredients and steps to make Chicken Broccoli Orzo. I shared tips for cooking orzo perfectly and enhancing flavors with spices. You learned about fun variations to suit your taste. Proper storage methods ensure that your leftovers stay fresh. Keep these ideas in mind for your next meal. This dish is simple, tasty, and versatile. Enjoy it often and feel free to get creative!

Chicken Broccoli Orzo Delight

A delicious and healthy dish featuring orzo pasta, chicken, and broccoli, perfect for a quick dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the orzo pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
  • While the orzo is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to steam until bright green and tender.
  • Once the broccoli is cooked, stir in the cooked orzo, chicken, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything together over low heat until combined and heated through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, healthy, orzo, pasta