Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo! This one-pan dish delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs paired with creamy, cheesy orzo packed with tender broccoli. The result? A rich, comforting meal that comes together effortlessly in just one skillet.

Forget complicated recipes—this dish is perfect for busy home cooks looking for a flavor-packed meal with minimal cleanup. The combination of juicy, well-seasoned chicken, velvety orzo, and melty cheddar cheese creates a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (oven-safe if finishing in the oven)
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board & knife

Ingredients Overview

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs create crispy, juicy bites.
• Orzo: A small pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, cheesy finish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
4. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, then remove and set aside (chicken will finish cooking later).

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

1. Reduce heat to medium, add butter, and sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Simmer & Finish the Dish

1. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and add broccoli florets.
2. Nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
3. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot!

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~480
• Fat: ~26g
• Carbohydrates: ~32g
• Protein: ~35g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Crispiness: Finish the chicken in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes.
• Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning.
• Swap the Cheese: Try Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Reduce the cooking time by 5-7 minutes since they cook faster.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze portions for up to 2 months and reheat on the stovetop.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for 2 months, thaw overnight, and reheat gently.

Substitutions & Variations

• Low-Carb: Swap orzo for cauliflower rice.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with **Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo**! This one-pan dish delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs paired with creamy, cheesy orzo packed with tender broccoli.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Large skillet (oven-safe if finishing in the oven)
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Cutting board & knife

Ingredients

  

• #### **For the Chicken**
• - 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• #### **For the Broccoli Cheddar Orzo**
• - 1 tablespoon butter
• - 1 small onion finely diced
• - 2 cloves garlic minced
• - 1 cup orzo pasta
• - 2 cups chicken broth
• - 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
• - 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter version
• - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Sear the Chicken**
• Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Place chicken skin-side down and sear for **5-6 minutes** until golden brown.
• Flip and cook for another **3 minutes**, then remove and set aside (chicken will finish cooking later).
• #### **Step 2: Cook the Orzo**
• Reduce heat to medium, add butter, and sauté onion for **2-3 minutes** until soft.
• Stir in garlic and cook for **30 seconds**.
• Add orzo and toast for **1 minute**, stirring frequently.
• #### **Step 3: Simmer & Finish the Dish**
• Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and add broccoli florets.
• Nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet, cover, and let simmer for **15 minutes** until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
• Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar until smooth.
• Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot!