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Patricia

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo delight your taste buds!

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.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 7-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  4. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add the uncooked orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  7. 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.
  8. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, lemon juice, and dried thyme.
  9. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture.
  10. Cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

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.

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