Mediterranean Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet
This Mediterranean-inspired one-skillet meal is a perfect balance of lean protein, hearty grains, and fiber-packed veggies. Creamy orzo pasta, tender grilled chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli all come together in a rich, garlicky, herb-infused sauce. It’s comforting, high in protein, and made in under 30 minutes—ideal for weeknights or meal prep!
Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Orzo Skillet:
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (about 200g) orzo pasta
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk or half-and-half
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh lemon zest and juice for brightness
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Orzo
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil . Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Make It Creamy
Lower the heat. Stir in milk and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
Add the steamed broccoli and gently stir to combine.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Let everything heat together for 2–3 minutes.
4. Finish and Serve
Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Optional: Sprinkle with lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) if desired.
Tips for Perfect Results
Use a Large Skillet: A deep, wide skillet allows the orzo to cook evenly and gives room for all ingredients to meld together.
Toast the Orzo: Lightly toasting orzo before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and prevents it from turning mushy.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Steam or blanch it just until bright green and slightly crisp to keep its nutrients and texture.
Let It Rest: After everything is mixed, let the dish rest for 5 minutes off heat to allow the sauce to thicken.
Stir Frequently: Orzo tends to stick to the bottom—frequent stirring helps it cook evenly and stay creamy.
Variations to Try
Cheese Options:
Swap Parmesan with feta for a more Mediterranean flavor.
Add a touch of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Veggie Add-ins:
Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers make great additions.
Zucchini, peas, or artichoke hearts can also be stirred in.
Protein Swaps:
Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Grain Alternatives
Substitute orzo with couscous, quinoa, or farro for a twist.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or rice.
Brighten it up
A splash of lemon juice and fresh basil or dill right before serving adds a refreshing Mediterranean kick.
Q&A (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make it a day ahead. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Absolutely. Just steam it until tender before adding it to the dish to prevent excess water.
Q: What if I don’t have orzo?
A: You can substitute orzo with short pasta like ditalini, small shells, or even pearl couscous.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free milk (like unsweetened almond or oat) and substitute cheese with a dairy-free alternative or skip it altogether.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: It freezes okay but is best fresh. The creaminess can change slightly upon thawing.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)
Calories: ~420
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: ~480mg
(Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portions used.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo Skillet is the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition. With lean protein, wholesome grains, and vibrant vegetables all in one pan, it’s a balanced meal your whole family will love.
Whether you’re prepping ahead for the week or making a cozy dinner tonight, this creamy, cheesy skillet is sure to satisfy—and impress.