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Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake

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A cozy, creamy, and cheesy chicken broccoli orzo bake that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta (about 270g or 9.5 oz)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (if frozen, thaw and drain excess water)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk for lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend if needed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (270g) of orzo and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and keep warm.
  3. If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. If frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  6. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking vigorously. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
  7. Stir in onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
  8. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  9. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, broccoli, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  10. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading evenly. If using, sprinkle the panko breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface.
  11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  12. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook orzo; it should be slightly firm before baking. Steam broccoli until tender-crisp to avoid sogginess. Use a mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for balanced flavor. Whisk sauce constantly to prevent lumps. Warm ingredients before baking for best creaminess. Optional breadcrumb topping adds crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, broccoli, orzo, casserole, cheesy, creamy, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/creamy-cheesy-chicken-broccoli-orzo-bake-easy-recipe-for-cozy-dinners/