Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a quick and delicious one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Crispy chicken thighs, cheesy orzo, and fresh broccoli combine in a savory, comforting dish that's easy to prepare and clean up. This hearty, satisfying meal is a family favorite that brings together rich flavors in one simple skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meal
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 large thighs)
4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz dried orzo (1/2 of a 16 oz package)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 pound broccoli florets, quartered or halved
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked at this point. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion until softened. Add the orzo and toast it for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
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Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the broth to a boil, then return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes.
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Add the broccoli on top of the chicken and orzo, cover, and cook for an additional 12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the broccoli is tender.
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Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and stir the orzo and broccoli with the shredded cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
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For a crispy chicken skin, ensure the chicken is seared well before simmering.
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Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, adjusting the cook time.
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For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
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Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the orzo.
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Storage: Store leftovers in separate containers—keep chicken thighs and orzo separate. Reheat in an air fryer for crispy chicken or on the stovetop.
