Go Back
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta - 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth - 2 cups (150g) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When cooking, precise measurements matter. I always use a kitchen scale for meat. It ensures I get the right amount of chicken. For the orzo, you can use a standard measuring cup. When measuring liquids like chicken broth, a liquid measuring cup works best. If you want to mix things up, consider these swaps: - Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a richer flavor. - Try vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. - You can swap broccoli for other veggies, like peas or spinach. - If you don’t have Parmesan, any hard cheese will do. - For a kick, add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like thyme or basil. These swaps keep your meal fun and exciting! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Next, season one pound of cubed chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning adds great flavor. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Cook the chicken for about five to seven minutes. You want it browned on all sides and cooked through. Stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the chicken is ready, it’s time to add the orzo. Measure one cup of orzo pasta and pour it into the pot. Stir it well to combine with the chicken. Now, take four cups of chicken broth and pour it into the pot. Stir again, making sure the orzo is soaked in the broth. Bring this mix to a gentle boil. After boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about ten minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is almost tender. After ten minutes, add two cups of broccoli florets to the pot. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli. Stir it in and cover the pot again. Cook for another three to five minutes. This will make the broccoli tender and finish cooking the orzo. Once done, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well until the cheese melts, making the dish creamy. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal! To cook orzo just right, follow these steps. Start with plenty of broth. The liquid helps the orzo cook evenly. Stir the pasta often. This keeps it from sticking together. Cook until it's al dente, which means firm but not hard. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Always taste a piece. If it feels soft but not mushy, it's done. Seasoning is key to a tasty dish. I love using garlic powder and onion powder in this recipe. They add depth and warmth. Smoked paprika brings a subtle smokiness that enhances the chicken. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they help balance flavors. For a fresh twist, try adding a bit of lemon zest. It brightens the entire dish. One pot cooking saves time and cleanup. Start by browning the chicken first. This adds flavor and color. Use a large pot to give everything room to cook evenly. Add the orzo and broth after the chicken is done. This way, the flavors blend well. Stir occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking. Finally, add the broccoli towards the end. This keeps it bright and crisp. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and chicken will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, making it more delicious and nutritious. Cook Orzo Al Dente: To achieve the perfect texture, cook orzo until it's al dente. It will continue to absorb liquid and soften as it sits. Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick! Leftovers Make Great Lunches: This dish reheats well and makes for an easy, flavorful lunch the next day. Store it in an airtight container for best results. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Simply swap chicken for firm tofu. Cut the tofu into cubes. Sauté it in olive oil until golden. This adds protein and keeps the meal hearty. You can change the flavor with different seasonings. Try adding Italian herbs like basil and oregano. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. For a smoky taste, use smoked paprika like in the original recipe. Adding more veggies makes this dish even better. You can use bell peppers, spinach, or carrots. Just chop them small and add when you add the broccoli. This way, they cook evenly and blend well with the orzo. To store your One Pot Chicken Broccoli Orzo, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. Place the leftovers in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to eat it later, consider freezing it. When you reheat, the orzo may absorb some liquid. To fix this, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Heat it in the microwave or on the stove. Stir it well to avoid hot spots. For the best taste, heat it until it is hot throughout. If you choose to freeze, do so in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze it within two days of cooking. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. After thawing, follow the reheating tips to bring it back to life. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then cool it down quickly. Store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes. Options like ditalini, quinoa, or even rice work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. Quinoa will cook faster, while rice might need a bit more liquid. To make it creamier without extra calories, try adding more chicken broth. You can also use a splash of milk or unsweetened almond milk. Another great option is to blend some broccoli into a puree. Stir this into the dish to add creaminess and flavor without extra fat. We covered the essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a great meal. You learned about alternatives and variations to fit your taste. Storing leftovers and reheating tips ensure you enjoy your dish later. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy! With these steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal any time. Enjoy the process, and don't hesitate to get creative in the kitchen!

One Pot Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring chicken, broccoli, and orzo pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cooked through, add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir to combine.
  • Pour the chicken broth into the pot, stirring well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender.
  • Add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir. Cover again and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the dish is creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to use fresh or frozen broccoli.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, one-pot meal, orzo