Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

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Thank you so much for stopping by today! I’m truly excited to share a recipe that’s comfort food at its absolute best—Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo. Right after the first bite, I knew this was a weeknight winner. Crispy golden chicken, tender orzo, bursts of green broccoli, and a dreamy blanket of melty cheddar? Yes, yes, yes!!

This dish is all made in one skillet (hello, easy cleanup!) and is packed with cozy, crave-worthy flavors. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug—hearty, satisfying, and a total crowd-pleaser.

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What Is Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo?

This recipe is everything I love about one-pan meals. Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs are seared until irresistibly crisp, then simmered with orzo pasta in savory broth. Halfway through, we sneak in fresh broccoli florets, and to finish, it all gets stirred together with sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a skillet full of goodness—layered flavors, textures, and total satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• One-pan magic: Less cleanup, more flavor.

• So comforting: Think of it as an elevated chicken and rice—but better!

• Customizable: Swap veggies, cheeses, even the protein.

• Family-friendly: Everyone from toddlers to teens to tired adults will devour this.

• Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for weeknights!

What Does It Taste Like?

In short: cozy, creamy, cheesy bliss. The chicken thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy inside. The orzo soaks up all the pan juices and broth for extra richness, while the broccoli adds that fresh green contrast and a little bite. And once the cheddar gets stirred in—oh wow—the whole dish becomes velvety, cheesy, and totally irresistible. The smell when this is in the skillet? Incredible!!

Healthier Comfort Food Benefits

• Packed with protein and fiber.

• Made with fresh veggies and low-sodium broth.

• Uses heart-healthy olive oil.

• Way less sodium than takeout versions or boxed meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 large thighs)

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 oz dried orzo (half a 16 oz package)

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 pound broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet with lid

• Tongs

• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon (to deglaze the pan)

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese yourself)

Substitutions and Add-Ins

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

• Chicken thighs: Boneless thighs or chicken breasts work too—just reduce simmer time slightly.

• Orzo: Can sub in Israeli couscous, rice, or even small pasta like ditalini.

• Broccoli: Try cauliflower, spinach, or kale instead.

• Cheddar cheese: Mix it up with gruyère, gouda, or even pepper jack for a kick!

• Add-ins: A pinch of crushed red pepper, a few sun-dried tomatoes, or a splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten it up.

How to Make Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken thighs dry and season well with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear thighs skin-side down until golden and crispy—about 4-5 minutes per side. Set chicken aside (they don’t need to be cooked through yet!).

Step 2: Sauté and Toast

Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, then sauté diced onions for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the orzo and toast it for another 3-4 minutes until it starts to turn golden. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute—keep it moving so it doesn’t burn!

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking

Scatter broccoli florets over the top. Cover and cook another 12 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F) and the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Remove chicken thighs from the pan. Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the broccoli and orzo mixture until melty and luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

What to Serve with This Skillet Chicken

Honestly, this is a complete meal in one skillet! But if you’re looking to round it out even more:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette

• Roasted carrots or glazed green beans for extra veggies

• A glass of chilled white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc!)

Tips for the Best Chicken & Orzo Skillet

• Pat the chicken dry before searing for maximum crispiness.

• Toast the orzo! It adds a nutty depth of flavor that’s worth the extra few minutes.

• Cover tightly during simmering so the orzo and broccoli cook evenly.

• Stir cheese in off heat to prevent clumping or separating.

• Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything settle beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.

• Freezer: The orzo texture may change slightly, but it can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• To reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish in advance, then gently reheat before serving. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

What if I don’t have a skillet with a lid?

No worries—just cover your skillet tightly with foil or use a lid from another pot that fits well. It just needs to trap steam while the dish simmers.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since traditional orzo contains wheat. But you can easily substitute with gluten-free pasta, rice, or quinoa to make it gluten-free.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Toss it in straight from the freezer during the same step. You may just need to cook it a minute or two longer to ensure it softens.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless thighs work great. Just reduce the cook time slightly, as they’ll cook through a bit faster than bone-in thighs.

Will this work with chicken breasts?

It will! Chicken breasts are a leaner option. Cut them in half if thick, and keep an eye on cook time so they stay juicy and don’t dry out.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

You can mix things up with gruyère, mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a little heat. Any melty cheese you love will work here.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just make sure your skillet is large enough or cook in two batches. The recipe scales well and is perfect for feeding a group.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen it up. Or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between until hot.

In Conclusion

This Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is everything we love in a meal: comforting, flavorful, nourishing, and so easy. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and homemade, this dish has your back.

More cozy skillet and orzo meals you’ll love:

• Easy Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo – bursting with bold, fresh flavors!

• Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken – a tropical twist on comfort food.

• Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits – classic, cozy, and reinvented to perfection.

I’d absolutely love to hear how yours turned out! Leave a review below, or share your creations with me on Pinterest—tag your photos so I can see your magic in action!
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Let me know in the comments if you made any swaps or fun variations—I always love hearing your kitchen creativity!

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