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Spicy Cheddar Chicken & Broccoli Orzo for Two

Spicy Cheddar Chicken & Broccoli Orzo for Two

Creamy, cheesy orzo topped with roasted broccoli, seasoned chicken, and everything seasoning.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 575

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Broccoli:
  • ▢ 8 oz. boneless, skinless Chicken Breast or Chicken Thighs
  • ▢ 3 cups Broccoli Florets
  • ▢ 1 small Jalapeno thinly sliced (see notes)
  • ▢ 1 tbsp. Butter quartered
  • ▢ 1 tbsp. Avocado Oil
  • ▢ 1 tsp. Smoked Paprika divided
  • ▢ 1 tsp. Garlic Powder divided
  • ▢ Salt & Cracked Black Pepper
For the Cheddar Orzo:
  • ▢ 1 tbsp. Butter
  • ▢ 1/4 cup finely chopped Onion yellow or white
  • ▢ 1 clove Garlic minced
  • ▢ Salt & Cracked Black Pepper
  • ▢ 1/2 cup dry Orzo
  • ▢ 1 cup Vegetable or Chicken Broth
  • ▢ 2 tbsp. Whole Milk
  • ▢ 1 tbsp. Sour Cream
  • ▢ 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • ▢ Everything Seasoning for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Cut the 8 oz. boneless, skinless Chicken Breast into small bite-sized cubes, about 1" in size. Toss the chicken with 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Spread the chicken out onto a small rimmed baking sheet and place the cubes of 1 tbsp. Butter on on top. Set aside.
    spicy-cheddar-chicken-broccoli-orzo-for-two-2-muil41en
  2. Toss the 3 cups Broccoli Florets with 1 tbsp. Avocado Oil 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Spread broccoli out onto a separate small rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Once the oven is preheated, pop in the chicken and broccoli and set a timer for ten minutes. After ten minutes, carefully toss the 1 small Jalapeno (sliced) with the chicken and place back into the oven. Roast for another ten minutes. Note: remove the seeds from the jalapeño if you want it less spicy!
  4. (Make the orzo while the chicken and broccoli cook!) Melt 1 tbsp. Butter in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped Onion and a pinch of salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes until onions start to brown. Stir in 1 clove Garlic (minced), and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Stir in 1/2 cup dry Orzo and toast the orzo for two minutes. Pour in 1 cup Vegetable or Chicken Broth and bring to a simmer (still over medium heat). Cook the orzo in the broth, stirring frequently so the orzo doesn't stick to the pan, for about 7-8 minutes until the broth is absorbed.
  6. Once the orzo is fully cooked and all of the broth is absorbed, turn the heat off from underneath the pan. Stir in 2 tbsp. Whole Milk, 1 tbsp. Sour Cream, and 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese until completely mixed together.
  7. Divide the orzo between two shallow bowls, then divide the chicken, jalapeños, and broccoli over the orzo. Serve warm with a sprinkle of Everything Seasoning.

Nutrition

Calories: 575kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 38gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 1496mgFiber: 7gSugar: 7g

Notes

Toasting the orzo in butter for two minutes before adding the broth is a key culinary technique that enhances the dish's flavor profile. This step allows the orzo to absorb the rich, nutty flavors of the butter, resulting in a deeper, more complex taste that elevates the entire dish.

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