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Creamy Chicken and Orzo with Broccoli and Cheddar


  • Author: Chef mia

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cupschicken broth
  • 1 cuphalf and half
  • ½chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 teaspoonhot sauce
  • 1 teaspoonmustard powder
  • ½ teaspoonEACH: onion powder, garlic powder, parsley
  • ¼ teaspoonpaprika
  • 12tablespoons olive oil
  • 1lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
  • Salt/Pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ teaspoonsItalian seasoning
  • 3 cupsbroccoli florets
  • cupdry white wine
  • 3cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoonsbutter
  • 3 tablespoonsflour
  • ¾lb. orzo pasta
  • 1 ½ cupscheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tablespoonsParmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a large measuring cup, combine the chicken broth, half and half, bouillon cube, hot sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, and paprika. Set aside.
  2. Season the Chicken: Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to tenderize each side. Cut into strips and pat dry. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  4. Cook the Orzo and Broccoli: While preparing the sauce, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add ½ tablespoon of Kosher salt and cook the orzo according to package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute. During the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.
  5. Deglaze the Pan: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the white wine and reduce the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the skillet, incorporating the browned bits into the wine. Simmer until the wine reduces by half, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Make the Roux: Add butter and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  7. Create the Sauce: Gradually add the prepared sauce mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and partially cover the skillet.
  8. Add the Cheese: Slowly sprinkle in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and well combined.
  9. Combine Everything: Add the drained orzo and broccoli to the sauce. Stir well to combine. The orzo will absorb more of the sauce as it continues to cook.
  10. Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and heat through before serving.