Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Orzo Bake

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken breast (cooked and shredded or diced; or use 1 rotisserie chicken)
• 12 oz orzo pasta (dry weight)
• 3 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 0.5 cup chicken broth (for the sauce)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (estimated seasoning)
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed for topping)
• 2 tbsp butter (melted, to mix with crackers)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. 2

   Cook the chicken: You can use a rotisserie chicken or cook down your own chicken breasts in a large pot until fully cooked. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken and set aside.

3. 3

   In the same pot used for the chicken, bring water to a boil. Add the orzo and the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Cook until the orzo is al dente, then drain.

4. 4

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

5. 5

   Season the liquid mixture well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

6. 6

   Add the cooked chicken, cooked orzo, and cooked broccoli into the bowl with the cream mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and coated in sauce.

7. 7

   Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

8. 8

   Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the crushed Ritz crackers (optionally tossed with melted butter).

9. 9

   Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the cracker topping is golden brown.

Notes

For a faster version, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. If using frozen broccoli, you can add it to the orzo water during the last 2-3 minutes of boiling.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• casserole
• comfort food
• baked
• chicken
• broccoli
• easy dinner
• family meal