Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe

Looking for a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare? This Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo recipe has got you covered. It’s the perfect combination of juicy, flavorful chicken thighs and creamy, cheesy orzo packed with tender broccoli. Best of all, it’s made in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy a delicious dinner with your family.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season the chicken thighs on both sides with the spice mixture.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

1. Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it starts to turn golden.
2. Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent the orzo from sticking. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring them into the orzo. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the broccoli is cooked but still vibrant green.

Step 3: Make it Creamy and Cheesy

1. Stir in the Cream: Once the orzo and broccoli are cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
2. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the orzo is creamy and smooth. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the cheesy orzo. Let them heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
2. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the chicken thighs with a generous helping of the broccoli cheddar orzo, and enjoy a satisfying, comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

• Simple Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping into the cheesy orzo.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots or asparagus would add a nice contrast in flavor and texture.

Additional Toppings

• Extra Cheese: Top with additional grated cheddar or Parmesan for an even cheesier experience.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Add a bit of heat by sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes over the dish before serving.

Tips for Success

Maximizing Flavor

• Properly Sear the Chicken: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken thighs. This ensures a nice golden crust and seals in the juices, keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.
• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli towards the end of the orzo cooking time to maintain its bright color and slight crunch.

Adjusting the Recipe

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or peas to the orzo for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice if you’re avoiding gluten.

Conclusion

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is the epitome of comfort food in a single pan. It’s a meal that offers creamy, cheesy satisfaction with the added bonus of tender, juicy chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but they may require a shorter cooking time to avoid drying out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the orzo creamy.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just add it directly to the skillet without thawing, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

You can use other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Yield: 4

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe

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Looking for a meal that's hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare? This Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo recipe has got you covered. It’s the perfect combination of juicy, flavorful chicken thighs and creamy, cheesy orzo packed with tender broccoli. Best of all, it’s made in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy a delicious dinner with your family.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
   Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside (it will finish cooking later).
   
3. Prepare the Orzo:
   In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
   Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   
4. Cook the Orzo and Broccoli:
   Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring to mix them with the orzo. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the orzo and broccoli.
   Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the orzo is tender.
   
5. Finish the Orzo:
   Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and set them aside. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, milk or heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the orzo is creamy.
   
6. Serve:
   Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo. Serve hot, with the chicken thighs on top of the cheesy broccoli orzo.

Notes

Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quicker cooking time, but bone-in thighs will provide more flavor.

Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used. If using frozen, thaw it first to avoid excess moisture.

Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a strong flavor, but feel free to use a milder cheddar or a blend of cheeses.

Orzo: If you prefer, you can substitute the orzo with a similar small pasta like ditalini or small shells.

Make-Ahead: The chicken can be seasoned and seared in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook the dish.

Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.