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Creamy Cheesy Ranch Chicken Orzo Skillet

Creamy Cheesy Ranch Chicken Orzo Skillet - featured image
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This one-pan skillet dinner features tender chicken, creamy orzo, and a blend of cheeses with ranch seasoning for a cozy, comforting meal that comes together in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser packed with flavor and nostalgia.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli florets (optional)
  • Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop onion and mince garlic. Grate cheeses if using block cheese.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in dry orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and milk. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, dried parsley, and paprika over everything. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until orzo is tender and sauce is creamy. Add more broth or milk if needed.
  7. Stir cooked chicken back into the skillet. If using frozen peas or broccoli, add now. Cook uncovered for another 3-5 minutes until chicken is heated through and veggies are bright.
  8. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until melted and sauce is silky.
  9. If desired, broil skillet for 2-3 minutes for a golden, bubbly cheese top.
  10. Let skillet rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chives or green onions. Serve hot, family-style.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk. Stir often to prevent orzo from sticking. Use room temperature dairy for smoother melting. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute appropriate pasta and cheeses. Broil for a bubbly cheese top if desired. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: ranch chicken, cheesy orzo, skillet dinner, comfort food, easy chicken recipe, one-pan meal, family dinner, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamy-cheesy-ranch-chicken-orzo-skillet-recipe-for-easy-cozy-dinners/