Description
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken thighs with creamy orzo pasta and fresh broccoli, all topped with sharp cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 7-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the uncooked orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, add the broccoli florets, and cover the skillet. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, lemon juice, and dried thyme.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture.
- Cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and reduce the cheese to ½ cup.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg