Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo: A High-Protein One-Skillet Family Favorite
on Mar 19, 2026
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If you’re looking for a meal that checks every box — high protein, creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed, and made in ONE dish — this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo is it.
This is one of those recipes that feels like comfort food but still fits your macros. Each serving packs 45+ grams of protein, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry family (especially if you’ve got teenagers hovering in the kitchen).
The best part? You cook everything in the same skillet — toast the orzo, build the sauce, stir in the veggies, and bake it to melty perfection. Less mess. Fewer dishes. More wins.
Table of Contents
Macros per Serving
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size: 326g
Calories: 296
Macros: 45.7p / 27.7c / 12.3f (2.5 fiber)
How to Log It
Search “Stay Fit Mom Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo in MyFitnessPal or MacrosFirst for easy tracking.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Butter
- Uncooked orzo
- Chicken broth
- Low-fat cottage cheese
- Frozen broccoli
- Reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
Substitutions & Swaps
Protein Options
- Use chicken thighs instead of breast (macros will change).
- Swap in rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Try cooked turkey breast if you have leftovers.
Pasta Options
- Whole wheat orzo for extra fiber.
- Gluten-free orzo if needed.
- You could substitute small pasta like ditalini, but cooking time may vary.
Cheese Options
- Sharp cheddar for stronger flavor.
- Colby Jack or mozzarella for milder taste.
- Pepper Jack if you want a little heat.
Veggie Swaps
- Fresh broccoli (steam lightly first).
- Add cauliflower for extra volume.
- Stir in spinach at the end.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for depth.
Cottage Cheese Tip
If texture is a concern, blend the cottage cheese before adding — it becomes completely smooth and ultra creamy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ 45+ grams of protein per serving
- ✅ One oven-safe skillet
- ✅ Creamy without heavy cream
- ✅ Perfect for 5-day meal prep
- ✅ Kid-approved comfort food
- ✅ Easy to log and track
The cottage cheese melts into the orzo and creates a creamy texture without needing heavy cream or a roux — which keeps the fat lower and the protein higher.
Recipe Tip (Don’t Skip This!)
Toast the orzo before adding the broth.
That quick 2–3 minute step deepens the flavor and keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. It gives the dish a subtle nutty flavor that makes it taste like you worked way harder than you did.
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Cast Iron Skillet – I love a good cast iron skillet! They have all sizes and are such a great cooking staple to have in your kitchen!
Storage
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating if needed to restore creaminess.
This is one of those recipes that reheats beautifully — which makes it ideal for weekday lunches.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes!
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Note: The broccoli texture may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor holds up well.
Make It a Complete Meal
This recipe already includes protein + carbs + vegetables, but if you want to round it out:
- Serve with a simple side salad.
- Add roasted carrots or green beans.
- Pair with fruit for an easy, balanced plate.
More Orzo Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this one, here are more high-protein orzo recipes to add to your rotation:
- One Dish Sun-Dried Chicken Orzo
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- One Dish Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Greek Chicken Orzo Bakes
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Orzo Bakes
- Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo Bakes
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Bakes
- Alfredo Chicken Orzo Bakes
Your future self will thank you for putting these on repeat.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo is comfort food that still fits your goals. It’s creamy, cheesy, filling, and protein-forward — exactly the kind of meal that makes macro counting feel doable instead of restrictive.
If you make it, let me know. This one has quickly become a staple around here.
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Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo: A High-Protein One-Skillet Family Favorite
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, 14g
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon butter, 14g
- 1 cup uncooked orzo, 200g
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese, 110g
- 12 oz. frozen bag of broccoli
- 1 cup reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, 112g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet set over medium-high heat. Dice up the chicken into 1″ cubes and rub with the salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. When the oil has heated up, add the chicken. Cook chicken until no longer pink inside, about 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Place broccoli in the microwave and cook according to package directions.
- In the same skillet (do not clean it), melt the butter. Add the orzo and cook until lightly golden, 2-3 minutes.
- Add the broth and bring to a gentle boil, cook 5-10 minutes until the orzo is almost full cooked and the broth reduces.
- Warm the cottage cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds before adding to the orzo. Turn off the heat.
- Add the cooked broccoli and half the shredded cheese. Stir well. Top with the cooked chicken and remaining shredded cheese.
- Put in the oven and cook, uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Search the MyFitnessPal or MacrosFirst app food databases for “Stay Fit Mom Baked Cheddar Chicken Orzo” to log it in your food diary.
This was delicious! Very easy to pull together and surprisingly flavorful for how simple it is. The orzo takes a long time to cook but I really loved this recipe! Thank you!
So good!! Super easy to make.