Juicy Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand delicious, no-fuss meals that skillet chicken thighs with broccoli cheddar orzo perfectly satisfy.

This one-pan wonder combines juicy, golden-brown chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta in a way that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Rich cheddar melts into tender orzo, creating a comforting base for crisp, herb-seasoned chicken thighs.

broccoli adds a vibrant green crunch that balances the dish’s hearty flavors.

The magic happens when each ingredient melds together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste.

Minimal effort meets maximum deliciousness in this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Dive in and let your taste buds celebrate this simple yet spectacular dinner.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Skillet Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut that stays tender when cooked, bone-in and skin-on varieties provide extra richness and deeper meat flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality thighs with minimal visible fat.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid base that infuses depth and moisture into the dish, enhancing overall taste and helping cook the orzo perfectly.

• Broccoli Florets: Bright green vegetable that adds nutritional punch, texture, and fresh flavor to the skillet. Select crisp, deep green florets without yellow spots for maximum freshness.
• Yellow Onion: Provides subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation, creating a flavor base for the entire dish. Pick firm onions with smooth, papery skin.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent undertone that elevates the entire recipe's complexity. Choose plump cloves without sprouts or soft spots.

• Orzo: Small, rice-shaped pasta that creates creamy, comforting texture. Select high-quality pasta for best cooking results.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Brings tangy, rich flavor and melty consistency to the dish. Opt for freshly grated cheese for superior melting and taste.

• Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and enhance all other ingredients' natural flavors.
• Olive Oil: Provides cooking fat and subtle fruity undertone, helping ingredients brown and develop deeper taste profiles.

Kitchen Tools for Making Skillet Chicken Thighs & Broccoli

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning chicken and cooking entire one-pot meal.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Essential for stirring orzo and scraping pan's bottom.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Help accurately measure olive oil, broth, and seasonings.
• Cheese grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Lid: Covers skillet during simmering and steaming process.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

• Chicken Preparation

Dry the chicken thighs and season them with salt and pepper, creating a beautiful canvas of flavor ready for cooking.

• Crispy Skin Magic

Warm olive oil in a large skillet and transform the chicken thighs into golden perfection, developing a crispy exterior that locks in juicy tenderness.

• Flavor Foundation

Sauté diced onions in the same skillet, creating a rich base that whispers delicious promises of the meal to come.

• Pasta Toasting

Introduce orzo to the skillet, letting it dance and toast until it develops a nutty, warm character that hints at the deliciousness ahead.

• Aromatic Boost

Sprinkle minced garlic into the mix, releasing its fragrant charm and building layers of deep, comforting flavor.

• Liquid Harmony

Pour in chicken broth, gently scraping the skillet’s delicious browned bits and creating a symphony of flavors that will make the dish sing.

• Simmering Embrace

Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, allowing everything to blend and mingle under a cozy lid, creating pure culinary magic.

• Broccoli Finale

Crown the dish with bright green broccoli florets, letting them steam and become perfectly tender alongside the juicy chicken.

• Cheesy Conclusion

Remove the chicken and shower the orzo and broccoli with melted cheddar, creating a creamy, irresistible finish that brings the entire meal together in delightful harmony.

Tips to Elevate Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

• Swap chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent drying out.
• Replace traditional cheddar with smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese to add unexpected depth and kick to the dish.
• Substitute broccoli with asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for seasonal variety and different nutritional profiles.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of paprika, or drizzle hot sauce over the final dish to create a personalized heat level that matches your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a lighter version, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat cheese while maintaining the same delicious skillet cooking technique.

Serving Ideas for Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

• Rustic Family Feast: Arrange the chicken thighs atop the creamy orzo with broccoli, creating a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in together. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top for a melty, irresistible finish.
• Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve this dish with a side of warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce. The bread will complement the rich flavors and add a delightful textural contrast to the meal.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Solution: Pair the skillet chicken with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy salad will cut through the richness of the cheesy orzo and provide a balanced, nutritious dinner in under 45 minutes.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Pack the chicken and orzo in meal prep containers for an easy next-day lunch. The flavors will meld overnight, making the dish even more delicious when reheated at work or school.

Prep and Storage for Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Chicken Thighs

• Smart Storage Solutions: Refrigerate leftover chicken and orzo in airtight containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Meal Prep Trick: Separate chicken and orzo into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with date to track freshness.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken thighs and orzo separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chicken and orzo in skillet with small splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat on low setting, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.

Crispy Skillet Chicken Thighs with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy skillet chicken thighs with broccoli cheddar orzo create a comforting one-pan meal that balances protein and pasta perfectly. Rich cheese and tender chicken combine for a satisfying dinner you’ll crave on busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 1 lb (454 g) broccoli florets
• 8 oz (227 g) orzo, dried
• 1.5 cups (170 g) cheddar cheese, sharp, shredded
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth, low-sodium
• 0.5 cup (75 g) onion, yellow, diced
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Chicken: Meticulously dry chicken thighs and generously season with kosher salt and black pepper across both surfaces.
2. Searing Chicken: Ignite olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling environment; strategically place chicken skin-side down to develop a golden, crispy exterior for 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Flavor Foundation: Extract chicken from skillet, then introduce additional olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent; toast orzo grains for 3-4 minutes to enhance nutty undertones, incorporating minced garlic and stirring continuously.
4. Liquid Integration: Deglaze skillet with chicken broth, lifting caramelized remnants; return chicken thighs to pan, bring to a gentle simmer, and cover with a tight lid.
5. Vegetable and Cheese Finale: Nestle broccoli florets atop the mixture, continue cooking until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and broccoli becomes tender; remove chicken, fold shredded cheddar into orzo until creamy, adjusting seasoning as desired.

Notes

• Crisp Chicken Skin: Pat chicken thighs extremely dry to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in delicious flavor and achieves perfect texture.
• Orzo Toasting Technique: Lightly toast orzo grains before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium-low heat during simmering to prevent burning and ensure even cooking of chicken and orzo without scorching bottom of skillet.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Remove skillet from heat when adding cheddar cheese to prevent separation and create smooth, creamy consistency throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg