If you’re searching for a delicious, satisfying dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare, you’ve landed in the right spot! This Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo recipe combines juicy chicken thighs with creamy orzo pasta, tender broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, all cooked in one skillet for a hassle-free meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners and is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why We Love This Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
This recipe becomes an instant favorite due to its rich flavors and straightforward preparation. The juicy chicken thighs bring a satisfying bite, while the orzo pasta absorbs all the delicious juices, creating a creamy texture that complements the tender broccoli perfectly. Plus, everything cooks together in one skillet, saving you time on cleanup. The combination of savory, cheesy goodness with wholesome ingredients makes it a meal you can feel good about serving to your loved ones, all while spending quality time together.
Ingredients for Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Broccoli Cheddar Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
How to Make Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe Directions
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is important because it helps achieve that perfect golden, crispy skin. Next, season both sides of the chicken generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. The blend of spices adds layers of flavor that will enhance the overall dish.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Allow them to sear for about 5-7 minutes without moving them. You want to achieve a beautifully golden and crispy crust. Once the skin is crispy, carefully flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 5 minutes. After they’re seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry; the chicken will finish cooking later.
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the orzo pasta, letting it toast slightly for 2-3 minutes until it becomes lightly golden. This process enhances its nutty flavor. Once toasted, pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which will cook the orzo beautifully.
Now it’s time to add the chopped broccoli florets into the skillet. Stir them in, ensuring they’re well mixed with the orzo. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them atop the orzo and broccoli. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything cook together for about 15-20 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure nothing sticks, and you’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F) and the orzo is perfectly tender.
Gently remove the chicken thighs from the skillet again and set them aside. Now, for the best part, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, milk or heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, transforming the orzo into a creamy, cheesy delight.
Lastly, return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them back into the creamy orzo. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors as you dig in!
How to Serve Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
Serving this dish is a cinch! The creamy, cheesy orzo and tender chicken thighs create a visually appealing and hearty meal that can stand alone or pair beautifully with a side salad or some fresh bread. When serving, make sure each plate has a generous scoop of the broccoli cheddar orzo topped with a chicken thigh for that perfect balance of flavors. You can garnish your dish with some additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. This dish is not just about nourishment; it’s about creating a warm and inviting dining experience for you and your family.
Expert Tips: Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
To really master this dish, keep these expert tips in mind. First, don’t rush the searing process. Allowing the chicken to develop a crispy skin enhances both flavor and texture. Always ensure your chicken thighs reach that ideal internal temperature for safe consumption.
If you prefer a more cheesy or saucy orzo, feel free to add more cheese or cream to suit your tastes. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or Gouda, for a unique flavor twist.
For an added crunch and a bit of freshness, consider topping your dish with crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs before serving. Lastly, using homemade chicken broth can elevate the dish’s flavor even more, but store-bought works perfectly well in a pinch.
How to Store Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be unlikely, given how delicious it is!), storing them is easy. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep the skillet chicken thighs with broccoli cheddar orzo in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of liquid if needed to keep it creamy.
Variation of Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe
Feel free to make this dish your own by adding variations! Want some extra veggies? You can toss in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or green beans alongside the broccoli for even more nutrition. If you’d like to change up the protein, boneless chicken breasts or even turkey thighs would work well, just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they stay juicy.
For a twist on the flavors, you might consider incorporating ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or a dollop of pesto for a Mediterranean flair. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for Italian cheeses like parmesan or mozzarella for a different creamy experience.
FAQ
What can I serve with Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo?
This dish is filling on its own, but you can complement it with a light side salad or some crusty bread.
Can I make Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Just store them separately until you’re ready to cook.
Is Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo a healthy option?
Yes, this dish offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice, especially with the addition of broccoli.
How do I ensure my chicken thighs are cooked properly?
Use a meat thermometer to check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Can I use different types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! You can replace orzo with other small pasta shapes like couscous or ditalini. Just remember that cooking times may vary.
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to achieve a crispy skin.
- Season both sides of the chicken generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add chicken thighs, skin-side down.
- Sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking Orzo and Broccoli
- In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt.
- Stir in orzo pasta and toast slightly for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the chopped broccoli and stir in well.
- Return seared chicken thighs to the skillet on top and cover.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let cook for about 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and orzo is tender.
Final Assembly
- Remove chicken thighs and stir in cheddar cheese, milk or cream, garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper until cheese melts.
- Return chicken to the skillet, serve hot, and enjoy!
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