Description
A single-pan dish featuring tender orzo in a silky cheese sauce with chicken and bright broccoli florets, elevated through flavors of lemon and garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 3 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (hot)
- 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or fontina for melting
- 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a wide, heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in a single layer until golden-brown on both sides, 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add remaining olive oil and butter. Add onion and cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the orzo and toast briefly, stirring, until edges are translucent, about 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup hot chicken broth.
- Pour in the remaining chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling pieces into the liquid. Cover and cook for 8 minutes, stirring once halfway.
- Add the broccoli florets on top, cover, and steam for 3–4 minutes until bright green. Remove lid and stir gently to incorporate.
- Lower heat to low; stir in milk, Parmesan, mozzarella, and lemon juice until the sauce is glossy and coats the orzo. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Finish with chopped parsley for freshness.
Notes
Serve in shallow bowls for visual appeal and sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs as garnish. Can be paired with a green salad and warm crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg