I know what you want. I know what you are craving. Something cheesy, right? I knew it!!
I need to warn you, though. It’s about this Cheesy Chicken Orzo.
Better yet, I need to tell you the truth! Hope you can handle it.
Wait. Before I go into anything, did you read that title? It says Cheesy + Chicken + Orzo. Um. Those words, together in a title… that’s love, baby. That’s my kinda love.
So. Down at the bottom, in that little recipe box, I am going to write that this tasty, creamy, cheesy deliciousness serves 4. BUT! Come on. Lets be reals.
We know that serves 4 means serves 2. Right? I’m not alone in this. Right?!
Who are these infamous “4″ that are able to eat so little?! I feel like a cow when a serves-4-recipe served only one – me! Heeeey, don’t judge! It was a pizza. A Chicago deep dish pizza from Lou Manati’s. How do you stop at a slice?! You don’t! You just go on and on, then undo your pants and keep going. Man, that was a good day…
The point is this:
If you are trying to exercise some type of self-control-low-cal-portion-size-thingamajigger, then you might have to skip this recipe. But, you shouldn’t. You should just go into that kitchen and make it and eat it and love it. This is incredibly tasty, it will make everyone fight for the last bite, and it comes together in minutes… <—- I say that a lot.
Open wiiiiiiide! NOM! 
ENJOY!
A tasty dish made with chicken, cheddar cheese and orzo.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 whole chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup orzo
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat until done; about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
- Bring a pot of water to boil, and stir in the orzo.
- Cook for 5 minutes, or until orzo is tender.
- Drain.
- Put the orzo back in the pot and stir in the cheese, butter, and 1/4 cup milk; add more milk if needed. Continue to stir until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the cooked chicken.
- Taste for salt and pepper.
- Serve.
I cup or two of broccoli florets cooked for a minute or two and the end of the orzo time makes this healthy right? Even if you have to make a little more (twice as much?) sauce…right?
Hi Sandi!
Yes, you can most definitely add some broccoli to this – great way to add a bit of “healthy” to it!
I love orzo and this looks delicious! I also can’t stop at one piece of Lou Malnati’s pizza! Love it!
Lou Malnati’s is where pizza dreams come true!!
Sometimes the simple ingredients that are in the fridge make the best meals. This looks scrumptious Kate! And your pics look extra cheesy (no pun)!. The serves 4 but really 2 is very Nigella. And true.
Oh my goodness! How did you know I was craving something cheesy!! Looks so good & such pretty photos!
You had me a “Cheesy”! I’ve been craving Mac & Cheese for quite a while, but this looks like a healthier alternative with the satisfaction that I’m looking for. Great recipe!
Kate,
I just got finished ranting in the other direction–a tiny bag of faro from Trader Joes which, when cooked, was waaaay more food than the “serves 3″ the nutrition facts label stated.
This orzo looks simply yummy.
Thanks!
I need orzo in my life. This looks deliciously comforting, Katerina
You made this dish look so comforting, love to hold that bowl in my hands and have every bit of it. Great photos!
With all the rain and grey skies we’re expecting over the next few days, this recipe will make some darn good comfort food…for one!!! ;} Lovely, Kate!!!
Haha! It used to be serve 4 = serve 2, but my gosh, my kids started to eat a lot and sometimes I have to give up my share! This looks so good – love cheesy dish like this!
OMG – this looks fantastic!!
My son would positively adore this recipe… unfortunately his lactose intolerance wouldn’t. Looks like it will have to be my lunch!
Cabot brand cheese makes lactose free cheeses. It doesn’t say it on the front but if you look on the back it says it contains 0g of lactose!
Looks incredible and really easy to make! It’s always a joke in my house that I assume I will get half the number of cookies a recipe calls for. I’d rather eat a big cookie or no cookie at all!
Wow. This looks seriously heavenly. Totally making for dinner one night soon.
NOM! Cheese, chicken and orzo? You are such a mindreader, Kate! Pinning… xo
How did you know I was craving something cheesy? This looks ah-mazing!
Yeah, what is up with those serving sizes? My deepest moments of shame lie at the bottoms of empty ice cream pints. (4 servings – right. )
Love, love that top shot and of course, the bowl of orzo in it. Yeah, this would be a 2-serving kind of recipe for me, too!
Beautiful bowl of orzo-love the idea of a making a meal out of this -your photos are just mouth wateringly delicious looking
I love orzo, you are speaking my language with this one!
Oh yum! I will take this over mac and cheese any day!
Lovely creamy orzo dish. Orzo pasta is a family favorite. It’s hard to photograph (I find)…. but you did it beautifully.
Thanks, sweetheart! I find that adding a few flakes of dried basil, and a sprinkle of peppercorns can make food look just a tad bit better.