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Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bliss

Enjoy the comforting Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo, a budget-friendly, one-pot meal that delights the whole family.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Use for maximum flavor and juiciness.
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup orzo Substitute with any small pasta if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Perfect for searing.
  • 1 medium yellow onion Chopped.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced.
For Flavor and Texture
  • 3 cups chicken broth Homemade or low-sodium options recommended.
  • 2 cups broccoli Chopped.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Creamy Finish
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese Shredded, melts beautifully.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and brown the other side.
  3. Sauté chopped onion in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in the orzo and toast for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze. Bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 8 minutes.
  8. Add broccoli on top, cover, and cook for another 12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and broccoli is tender.
  9. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For crispy chicken skin, ensure the skin is dry before seasoning. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the chicken cut used.

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