Reading Time: 6 minutes Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe (Gluten-Free & One-Pan Meal)
This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure.
Looking for a cozy, hearty meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish. Juicy chicken thighs, smoky gouda cheese, and tender orzo come together in a creamy, satisfying casserole, all in just one pan.
Plus, this recipe is gluten-free, so it’s a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to sear the chicken to perfection, cook the orzo just right, and create a creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Casserole
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Orzo and Sauce:
- 2 cups gluten-free orzo
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 1 ½ cups smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
How to Make This Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Casserole
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Related: One Pot Chicken Linguini Pasta: Easy Instant Pot Recipe
2. Cook the Orzo and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in a little salt and a small amount of Better Than Bouillon for added flavor. Add the orzo and cook for one minute less than the package instructions. During the last three minutes, add the broccoli. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Roux
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in gluten-free flour and stir continuously for two minutes to create a smooth roux.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and half and half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add parsley and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add the Cheese
Gradually sprinkle in the shredded smoked gouda and Parmesan, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. Let it simmer on low heat for another minute to fully incorporate the flavors.
Related: Easy Dinner: Homemade Bacon Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper Recipe
You’ve eaten dehydrated fruit, and it’s still real fruit. Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets are along the same lines. They’re actual laundry detergent but made in eco-friendly sheets. They’re just dehydrated laundry sheets that come in cardboard envelopes.
6. Combine the Orzo and Broccoli
Add the cooked orzo and broccoli to the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly and let the orzo absorb the creamy flavors.
7. Return the Chicken to the Pan
Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat until warmed through.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and let the casserole sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken and Orzo
- Use fresh cheese – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated smoked gouda.
- Let the orzo absorb the sauce – The orzo will continue soaking up the creamy flavors as it sits.
- Adjust the consistency – If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe
1. Full of Rich, Smoky Flavor
The smoked gouda cheese adds a deep, slightly smoky taste that takes this dish to the next level.
2. Gluten-Free and Family-Friendly
By using gluten-free orzo, this casserole is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities while still being loved by the entire family.
3. Easy One-Pan Comfort Food
This dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful orzo, all in one pan for minimal cleanup!
Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp gluten-free flour
- 2 cups gluten-free orzo
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor
- 1 ½ cups smoked gouda cheese shredded
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in a little salt and a small amount of Better Than Bouillon for extra flavor. Add the orzo and cook for one minute less than the package instructions.
- During the last three minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to the boiling water with the orzo. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in the gluten-free flour and cook for two minutes until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth and half and half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add parsley and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Gradually sprinkle in the shredded smoked gouda and Parmesan, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into a creamy, smooth sauce. Let it simmer for another minute.
- Add the cooked orzo and broccoli to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly and let the orzo absorb the sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Remove from heat and let the casserole sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Try This Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Casserole Tonight!
This Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Casserole is a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and hearty ingredients, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Give it a try, and it just might become your new favorite weeknight meal!
🙋♀️If you like what you just read, then subscribe to my newsletter and follow us on YouTube.👈