Go Back
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo taken with iphone 15 pro max --iw 2 --ar 4:5 --v 6.0 --raw

Skillet Chicken Thighs With Broccoli and Orzo

A delightful one-skillet dish featuring tender chicken thighs, vibrant broccoli, and flavorful orzo.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet preferably cast-iron or stainless steel

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs about 2 pounds, patted dry
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 lemon thinly sliced and seeds removed
  • 12 ounces broccoli florets cut into smaller pieces if larger (about 4 cups)
  • 8 ounces dried orzo (about ½ cups)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Season chicken thighs on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. In a large, heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron or stainless steel), heat olive oil over medium-high. Cook the chicken, skin-side down, until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Flip and cook until golden on the other side, about 5 minutes more. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Decrease heat to medium, add butter and lemon slices, and cook until the lemons release their juices and start to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the plate with the chicken.
  • Add broccoli, orzo, thyme, garlic and remaining ½ teaspoon salt to the skillet and stir to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is lightly toasted and the broccoli is bright green, about 5 minutes.
  • Deglaze with the wine and cook until the liquid is mostly absorbed, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add the broth and lemon slices to the skillet, then add the chicken thighs, skin-side up, along with any liquid from the plate. Cover the skillet and continue cooking until the orzo is tender, most of the liquid is absorbed, and the chicken is cooked through, 13 to 15 minutes.
  • If you want to add a little texture and crunch to the dish, uncover and continue to cook until browned and crisp on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

For more delicious chicken pressure cooker recipes, check out our Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and Quick High Protein Greek Pasta Salad for more flavorful and simple meals that complement this dish perfectly.