Description
Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a cozy one-skillet meal featuring juicy, golden chicken thighs, tender broccoli, and creamy cheddar orzo. Perfect for busy weeknights and sure to satisfy the whole family!
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about ½ lb each, or 2 lbs total)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz (½ lb) dried orzo pasta
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water plus chicken bouillon)
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with kosher salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Stir in the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up.
Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
Scatter broccoli florets around the chicken. Cover and cook another 5-7 minutes, until broccoli is crisp-tender and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Remove chicken and keep warm. Stir shredded cheddar into the orzo and broccoli until melted and creamy.
Season to taste, return chicken to skillet, and serve hot.
Notes
Boneless, skinless thighs can be substituted; reduce cooking time by 5-7 minutes.
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream with the cheese.
Keep an eye on the liquid level while cooking the orzo—add extra broth if it becomes too dry.
Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 625 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg