I discovered a unique dish that perfectly blends savory chicken thighs with broccoli and a cheesy orzo medley. The aroma of garlic and thyme fills the air as I savor every bite. My Chicken Thigh Recipes With Orzo refresh my dinner routine and bring an unexpected burst of delicious flavor.

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I recently discovered a way to transform a simple dinner into something truly unexpected with these Skillet Chicken Thighs With Broccoli Cheddar Orzo. I started with juicy, golden brown chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper, then added a kick of garlic and paprika in olive oil.

The sizzle of the meat cooking reminded me of countless chicken thigh recipes with orzo I’ve tried over the years. Into the mix goes orzo and low sodium chicken broth, simmering to create a delightful base for the broccoli florets.

Once tender, I stir in heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese and a pinch of dried thyme to blend into a rich, cheesy sauce that clings to every grain. There is a bit of mystery to how these ingredients combine and you wont believe how they complement each other.

Trust me, this fresh twist on chicken and broccoli orzo recipes is a must-try for dinner. Enjoy the flavor adventure!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I love how the chicken comes out all juicy and golden brown even though I sometimes mess up the timing a little. It gives the dish a rich and satisfying flavor that makes me feel like im cookin something really special at home.

Second, the cheesy orzo mixed with broccoli and garlic creates this crazy comforting vibe that just makes me wanna dive right in. The combination of texture and flavor really stands out and makes every bite taste amazing, even if the measurements arent perfectly followed every time.

Lastly, I appreciate how its all cooked in one pan. It means less mess in the kitchen and less hassle putting a meal together after a long day, which is something i seriously value.

Ingredients

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Chicken thighs are a great source of protein and add rich flavor to the dish.
Garlic boosts flavor and provides antioxidants, its essential for a tasty meal.
Orzo gives carbs and a pleasant texture, it cooks fast and soaks up seasonings.
Broccoli adds fiber and vitamins while giving a slight crunch, making the meal refreshing.
Cheddar gives a sharp tang and creamy texture, it adds extra richness to the recipe.
Heavy cream creates a silky sauce that blends flavors, it also makes the dish rich.
Dried thyme adds a hint of earthiness, it elevates the overall taste of the meal.

Ingredient Quantities

6 bone in skin on chicken thighs (about 2 lb total)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic minced

1 cup orzo

2 cups low sodium chicken broth

2 cups broccoli florets

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and cook until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

4. Add the orzo to the skillet and stir it around for a minute so some of the flavors soak in.

5. Pour in the chicken broth and mix in the dried thyme and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them so that they nestle well in the liquid. Ensure that they are mostly covered by the broth and orzo.

7. When the orzo has cooked halfway, add the broccoli florets evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender, the broccoli is cooked to your liking, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

8. Stir in the heavy cream followed by the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce turns creamy.

9. Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

10. Remove the skillet from the heat and top with chopped fresh parsley if you like before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet – you need this to brown the chicken and later simmer the orzo and veggies
2. Tongs – useful for flipping and safely moving the chicken around
3. Measuring cups – essential for the liquids like chicken broth and heavy cream
4. Measuring spoons – to accurately add the seasonings such as thyme and paprika
5. A sharp knife – for mincing the garlic and chopping the fresh parsley
6. Cutting board – helps keep things neat while prepping garlic and parsley
7. Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the garlic, orzo, and keeping the sauce moving
8. Meat thermometer – to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F

FAQ

Q: Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead?

A: Yes you can use them but they cook faster and might not give you that rich flavor like bone in chicken does.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

A: The best way is to check that the juices run clear and the internal temp is around 165°F. If you're unsure, give it a few more minutes.

Q: What if I dont have orzo? Can I substitute another pasta?

A: Sure thing, you can swap in a similar shaped pasta but remember it might change the overall texture a bit.

Q: Is there a way to replace heavy cream?

A: Yes, you can try using whole milk thickened with a bit of flour though it may make the sauce a little thinner than the original recipe.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it?

A: You can reheat leftovers but the orzo might get a bit mushy so it's best enjoyed fresh if possible.

Skillet Chicken Thighs With Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken Thighs: You could use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts if that’s what you have.
Olive Oil: Vegetable oil or melted butter works too if you dont have olive oil.
Chicken Broth: Try using low sodium vegetable broth or even water with a bay leaf for added flavor.
Heavy Cream: If you dont have heavy cream, you can mix whole milk with a little cornstarch or use creme fraiche.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Mild cheddar or Monterey Jack are fine substitutes if you cant find sharp cheddar.

Pro Tips

1. Try to pat your chicken dry before seasoning it so that the skin gets super crispy when it cooks. This trick really helps lock in flavor and makes a big difference in the final dish.
2. When you add the orzo, give it a quick stir to coat it well in the garlic and spices. It might seem small but this step helps the pasta soak up all that yummy flavor from the pan.
3. Be careful not to add the broccoli too soon. Adding it midway through the simmer lets it keep a bit of crunch and bright flavor, instead of turning mushy.
4. After stirring in the cream and cheese, let the skillet sit for a couple minutes off the heat. This little rest helps everything meld together and makes sure the sauce gets really creamy without overcooking the cheese.