Description
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake is the kind of easy dinner that makes everyone hurry to the table. Tender chicken, cozy orzo, bright broccoli, and a rich cheesy sauce bake together into one comforting casserole that feels perfect for weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep. This easy recipe is packed with comforting flavor and works beautifully for dinner ideas, easy dinner planning, quick family meals, and hearty food ideas when you want something warm, creamy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
2 cups dry orzo
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
3 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the orzo in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Steam or blanch the broccoli for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
6. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
7. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute.
8. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth.
9. Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted.
10. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until the sauce is creamy.
11. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
12. Fold in the cooked orzo, chicken, and broccoli until evenly coated.
13. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
14. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
15. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Do not overcook the orzo before baking, because it will continue to soften in the oven and can turn mushy if it starts out too tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 515
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 760
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 95