Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt and black pepper
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 1/2 cups basmati or jasmine rice
1/2 cup dry orzo pasta (use gluten free, if needed)
2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for topping
3 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
zest of 1/2 a lemon
1/2 cup whole milk or canned coconut milk
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese