Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet
A flavorful one-skillet meal with tender chicken, creamy parmesan orzo, and fresh broccoli—easy, comforting, and ready in no time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk or half-and-half
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Garlic & Orzo: In the same skillet, add garlic and orzo. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant.
Add Liquids & Broccoli: Pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir in broccoli. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Combine & Finish: Stir in cooked chicken, Parmesan, and butter (if using). Cook 2–3 more minutes until creamy and heated through. Season with red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, sear the chicken in garlic herb seasoning.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.
Leftovers keep well for 2–3 days and reheat beautifully.
