When I first tried this recipe, I wasn’t prepared for how much my family would love it. The chicken thighs were crisp and juicy, the orzo was creamy and cheesy, and the broccoli added the perfect balance of freshness. And the best part?

It all came together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze! Now, it’s a regular in our dinnertime rotation, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you. Trust me, once you try this, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home too.

skillet chicken thighs with broccoli cheddar orzo recipe

Credit: number-2-pencil

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken thighs (4 bone-in, skin-on, about 2 pounds): The skin crisps up beautifully and keeps the meat juicy. If your thighs are smaller, use enough to equal 2 pounds.
Olive oil (4 tablespoons): Essential for browning the chicken and creating a rich base for your orzo.
Yellow onion (1/2 cup, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the dish as it cooks.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic gives a bold flavor. Avoid pre-minced for a fresher taste.
Orzo pasta (8 ounces): A small, rice-shaped pasta that becomes creamy as it cooks. It’s the star of the dish’s texture.
Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups): Provides a flavorful liquid for cooking the pasta. You can substitute with water and bouillon if needed.
Broccoli florets (1 pound, quartered or halved): Stick to fresh broccoli for the best texture. Cut them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Freshly shredded cheese melts better and makes the orzo irresistibly creamy.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Season carefully to ensure a balanced and flavorful dish.

Note: This recipe serves four people generously.

Variations on This Recipe

This recipe is adaptable to suit various dietary needs and flavor preferences. Here are some ideas:

Make it dairy-free: Swap the cheddar cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken thighs with hearty mushrooms or tofu for a filling alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Gluten-free twist: Use a gluten-free pasta like rice-based orzo. Adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.
Add more protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage for an extra protein boost.
Boost the flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian herbs to elevate the taste of the orzo.

You can also enjoy similar comforting dishes like Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos.

Cooking Time

Here’s the total time breakdown to help you plan your meal:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

To make this dish, you’ll need the following:

Large skillet with a lid: Big enough to cook the chicken and orzo together. A lid is vital for steaming the broccoli.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring and deglazing without scratching your skillet.
Kitchen knife: To dice the onion and prepare the broccoli.
Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements of all ingredients.
Tongs: Perfect for turning the chicken thighs as they brown.
Grater: To shred the cheddar cheese fresh.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo?

Mastering this recipe is simple, and the steps are straightforward. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Step 1: Brown the chicken thighs

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crisp. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet; you’ll return them to the pan later. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Toast the orzo

Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Toss in your diced onion and sauté over medium heat until it begins to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the orzo and toast it lightly, which will bring out its nutty flavor. After 3-4 minutes, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Deglaze and begin simmering

Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet using a wooden spoon. This step adds lots of flavor to the dish. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 8 minutes.

Step 4: Add the broccoli

Uncover the skillet and scatter the broccoli florets over the chicken and orzo. Replace the lid and continue cooking for another 12 minutes. This allows the broccoli to steam perfectly. By the end of this step, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the broccoli will be tender.

Step 5: Finish with cheese

Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and set them aside. Stir the shredded cheddar into the orzo and steamed broccoli until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately.

Credit: number-2-pencil

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

When you cook this recipe, there are a few tricks I’ve found that make a big difference:

Use room-temperature chicken thighs for more even browning.
Toast the orzo thoroughly to add a subtle nutty layer to the dish.
Freshly shred your cheese instead of using pre-packaged shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
If your skillet is overcrowded, sear the chicken in batches to maintain even browning.
To save time, you can pre-cut broccoli florets and shred cheese ahead of cooking.

If you’re a fan of stuffed dishes, you might also enjoy this Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo?

Presentation matters, and this dish can look just as amazing as it tastes. Here are some serving suggestions:

Arrange the chicken thighs on a platter and spoon the cheesy orzo and broccoli around them for a family-style meal.
Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or freshly grated parmesan for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve with a light green salad or crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

This dish is a hearty meal packed with nutrition. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:

Calories: 898
Protein: 50g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fat: 54g

Make Ahead and Storage

Restoring: Keep leftovers in separate airtight containers for chicken and orzo to maintain texture.
Freezing: The dish freezes well, but it’s best to freeze the orzo and chicken separately for optimal flavor.
Reheating: For crispy chicken, reheat in an air fryer or oven. Warm orzo on the stovetop with a splash of broth or in the microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is packed with reasons to win a spot in your weekly menu. Here’s why:

One-pan convenience makes for quick cleanup after cooking.
Rich, comforting flavors that feel like a gourmet meal.
Easily adjustable to fit dietary restrictions or preferences.
Quick cooking time for busy weeknights.
Family-approved recipe that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo recipe hits all the marks. It’s simple, satisfying, and versatile enough to become a staple in your kitchen. For more chicken-based inspiration, check out these Chicken Recipes.

Ash Tyrrell