Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Casserole

This chicken broccoli orzo casserole started as a way to sneak more broccoli onto my kids' plates, and now all three of them ask for it by name. Back in my nursing days, I lived on dinners I could prep fast and forget about. This one still checks every box on our busiest Indiana weeknights.

This chicken broccoli orzo casserole is a cozy, cheesy dinner where everything bakes together in one dish. Seasoned bites of chicken, dry orzo, and tiny pieces of broccoli go straight into a garlicky cream sauce. Then you cover it all in mild cheddar and bake until the orzo is tender. Think of it as broccoli cheddar soup and a chicken pasta bake rolled into one. With no boiling pasta and no precooking the chicken, this chicken broccoli orzo casserole is as close to a hands-off dinner as it gets.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• The orzo cooks right in the dish. It soaks up the seasoned stock and cream as it bakes. You skip the pot of boiling water, and every bite is full of flavor.
• A quick marinade makes a big difference. Red wine vinegar, olive oil, and spices give the chicken a tangy, savory boost in just 15 minutes.
• Finely diced broccoli melts into the cheesy sauce, which makes it an easy win with picky eaters.
• Cleanup is simple. You whisk the sauce together in the same baking dish that goes into the oven.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Broccoli Orzo Casserole

The Marinated Chicken

First, toss diced chicken breast with olive oil, red wine vinegar, chicken seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The vinegar adds a little brightness. It also helps the seasoning cling to every piece, so the chicken never tastes bland.

The Creamy Sauce

Chicken stock and heavy cream form the base, and the orzo drinks them up as it cooks. Minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and more chicken seasoning add savory depth. I use Fire Smoke and Society Chica Licka Bam Bam. It brings a garlicky, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheddar.

The Pasta and Broccoli

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that bakes up creamy and tender. I dice the broccoli very finely on purpose. Small pieces cook through in the same time as the pasta and chicken, so you get soft broccoli in every forkful.

The Cheese

Shredded mild cheddar cheese goes on top. It melts into a golden, bubbly layer as the casserole bakes. Mild cheddar keeps the flavor kid friendly and melts smoothly into the sauce underneath.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken with the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and all of the chicken seasonings. Make sure every piece is evenly coated. Then cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce in the Baking Dish

Right in the casserole dish, whisk together the chicken stock, heavy cream, chicken seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and minced garlic until smooth.

Step 4: Add the Orzo, Chicken, and Broccoli

Add the dry orzo, the marinated chicken, and the finely chopped broccoli to the dish. Keeping the broccoli small helps it cook all the way through.

Step 5: Mix and Spread

Stir everything together and spread it into an even layer, making sure the orzo, chicken, and broccoli are covered by the liquid.

Step 6: Add the Cheese and Cover

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 30 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. During this time the orzo soaks up the remaining liquid and the sauce thickens up.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The orzo keeps absorbing the sauce in the fridge. Because of that, add a splash of chicken stock or milk before reheating to bring back the creaminess. Warm single portions in the microwave in 60 second intervals, stirring in between. For a larger amount, cover with foil and reheat in a 350 degree oven until hot.

What to Serve With Chicken Broccoli Orzo Casserole

This casserole has your protein, pasta, and veggies all in one dish, so a simple side is all you need. Warm garlic bread or dinner rolls are great for soaking up the extra sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances out the cheesy richness. Roasted carrots or green beans also round out the plate nicely. If your family loves orzo dinners as much as mine, try my Creamy Chicken Orzo Casserole or this One Pan Taco Orzo next.