Description
Spicy Cheddar Chicken & Broccoli Orzo for Two is the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for a date night or a quick weeknight dinner. This one-pot dish features tender chicken and vibrant broccoli enveloped in a creamy cheddar sauce, delivering a delightful combination of flavors that will leave you craving more. The addition of spicy jalapeno and smoky paprika elevates the taste, making each bite a delicious experience. Plus, with easy preparation and minimal cleanup, this recipe is as convenient as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry orzo
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Cracked black pepper
- 1 small jalapeno, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, half of the smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant (2-3 minutes). Add broccoli and jalapeno; season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in orzo and broth; bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low; cook until orzo is tender (10-12 minutes).
- Stir in milk, sour cream, remaining spices, and cheddar cheese until creamy.
- Slice the chicken and serve atop the cheesy orzo with roasted broccoli.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 575
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg