Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Imagine perfectly seared Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with crispy golden skin sitting atop a bed of creamy, cheesy orzo studded with tender broccoli florets. This one-pan wonder combines the comfort of a pasta bake with the practicality of a weeknight dinner, creating a meal that’s both impressive and convenient. The Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo brings together protein, vegetables, and grains in one harmonious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. You’ll learn how to achieve perfectly crispy chicken skin while creating a deliciously creamy orzo base that cooks right in the same pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying yet simple. The beauty lies in its contrasting textures—crispy-skinned chicken against creamy, cheesy orzo with tender-crisp broccoli providing the perfect bite. Each spoonful delivers a balanced flavor profile where the savory chicken complements the mild, cheese-infused pasta.

What makes this dish truly special is its efficiency. Using just one skillet means minimal cleanup, while the cooking process allows you to build layers of flavor as you go. The chicken thighs render their fat into the pan, which becomes the foundation for the orzo’s rich taste.

Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It works as an elegant dinner party main or a cozy family meal. The chicken thighs with cheesy orzo creates a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 45 minutes—perfect for those evenings when you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, you’ll need:

• 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs/900-1100g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup/160g)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1½ cups orzo pasta (340g)
• 3 cups chicken broth (720ml)
• 3 cups broccoli florets, cut small (about 8oz/225g)
• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (6oz/170g)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (1oz/28g)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the chicken thighs, which offer more flavor and moisture than breast meat. Choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best texture and taste in this chicken and orzo skillet meal. For the cheddar, freshly grated cheese will melt much better than pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents.

Pro Tips

To elevate your Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo from good to exceptional, follow these critical techniques:

Pat the chicken dry before cooking: This seemingly simple step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin. Excess moisture is the enemy of browning, so take an extra minute to thoroughly pat the chicken thighs with paper towels before seasoning them.

Don’t rush the searing process: Allow the chicken thighs to cook undisturbed for at least 5-7 minutes on the skin side. Constantly moving or flipping them too early prevents proper caramelization. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan without sticking.

Control your heat throughout cooking: Start with medium-high heat for the initial sear, then reduce to medium-low when adding the orzo. This prevents burning while ensuring everything cooks evenly. If you notice the orzo absorbing liquid too quickly, don’t hesitate to add an extra splash of broth to achieve the perfect consistency. The orzo should be tender but not mushy in your creamy broccoli chicken dinner.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels first—this is your secret weapon for achieving that restaurant-quality crispy skin! Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Let them sear undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a plate.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Reduce the heat to medium and use those amazing chicken drippings! Add the diced onion to the same skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Can you smell that? That’s the foundation of your Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo developing its depth of flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute, allowing it to toast slightly in the aromatic oil. This quick step adds a subtle nuttiness to your final dish. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (that’s pure flavor!). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking

Gently stir the broccoli florets into the partially cooked orzo, then nestle the seared chicken thighs on top, skin-side up. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender, the broccoli is bright green, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Your one-pan chicken thighs with cheesy orzo is almost done!

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat. Carefully lift out the chicken thighs and set aside momentarily. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and the orzo is beautifully creamy. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the cheesy orzo. If desired, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to re-crisp the chicken skin before serving your completed Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo with Mediterranean flair by swapping the cheddar for feta cheese and adding 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 1 tablespoon fresh oregano. Season the chicken with dried oregano and lemon zest instead of Italian seasoning. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Spicy Southwest Version: For a kick of heat, season your chicken with taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs. Replace the broccoli with a mixture of corn kernels and diced bell peppers. Substitute pepper jack for the cheddar cheese, and stir in a can of drained, diced green chilies with the orzo. Top your finished chicken and orzo skillet meal with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.

Gluten-Free Option: This dish works beautifully with gluten-free substitutions. Replace the orzo with a gluten-free variety or substitute with arborio rice (though you’ll need to adjust cooking time to about 20 minutes and possibly add more broth). The creamy texture and cheesy goodness of your creamy broccoli chicken dinner will remain intact while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Storage and Serving

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the creaminess of the orzo, and heat gently on the stovetop. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat at 70% power to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

For an impressive presentation, serve directly in the skillet at the center of your table, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Complement this hearty chicken and orzo skillet meal with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

For a special touch, serve alongside garlic bread or warm crusty bread for sopping up the creamy sauce. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent pairing with the creamy, cheesy notes of this dish, elevating your weeknight dinner to restaurant quality.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well in this Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo. Reduce the initial searing time to 3-4 minutes per side, and expect a slightly shorter final cooking time of 8-10 minutes.

Can I make this with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. For chicken breasts, pound them to even thickness first to ensure even cooking. They’ll cook faster than thighs, so adjust your timing accordingly and be careful not to overcook.

Is there a good substitute for orzo?
Small pasta shapes like stelline or acini di pepe work well. For a grain alternative, try pearl couscous or even arborio rice, though rice will require additional liquid and cooking time.

Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can sear the chicken thighs up to a day ahead and refrigerate them. The dish comes together quickly if the chicken is pre-seared and the vegetables are pre-chopped.

My orzo is still firm but most of the liquid is absorbed. What should I do?
Simply add more chicken broth, about ¼ cup at a time, and continue cooking until the orzo reaches your desired tenderness. Different brands of orzo may require slightly different cooking times.

Conclusion

This Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is comfort food at its finest — a perfect marriage of crispy-skinned chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta that satisfies the soul while providing a complete meal in one pan. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknights into special occasions, bringing family around the table with its irresistible aroma and hearty appeal. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or discerning guests, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, proving that delicious, wholesome meals don’t need to be complicated.

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