Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo: A Win

Okay, so weeknights, right? They’re chaotic! That’s why I’m obsessed with skillet meals. Everything cooks in one pan – less mess, happy me! This Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is totally my go-to when I need something comforting but FAST. Plus, did I mention the cheesy, broccoli-filled orzo? Seriously, what’s not to love? I’ve been making skillet meals for years, and this one? It’s a winner, trust me.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Recipe

Listen, you *need* this recipe in your life. Why? Let me tell you:

• Super easy to cook – even on *those* nights.
• Minimal cleanup = happy dance! One skillet is all you need.
• The whole family will gobble it up. Cheesy orzo? Always a winner.
• You can totally swap ingredients to match what YOU like.
• It’s lightning-fast. Dinner on the table in like, half an hour!

Ingredients for Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You’ll need: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (easy peasy!), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 cup of orzo pasta (the small, rice-shaped kind!), 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, I don’t judge!), 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese!), and salt and pepper to taste. Got it? Great!

How to Make Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Okay, pay attention, because this is SO easy! You’ll be chowing down on Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo before you know it.

First, grab those chicken thighs and give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!

Next, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil into your skillet. Get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, carefully lay those chicken thighs in there. Now, this is important: SEAR them for about 5-7 minutes per side. Trust me, you want a nice golden-brown color. It adds SO much flavor. Make sure they’re cooked all the way through – no pink inside! Take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate.

Don’t clean the skillet! All that yummy browned bits stay right where they are. Pour in the orzo and the chicken broth. Crank up the heat until it boils, then turn it down to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and has soaked up most of the broth. You might need a little extra broth if it looks dry, just sayin’.

Now, dump in the broccoli florets and cheddar cheese. Stir it all together until the broccoli is tender and that cheese is melted and gooey. Mmmmmm!

Finally, nestle those chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the orzo. Let them heat through for a minute or two. And that’s it! Dinner is served! See? I told you it was easy!

Tips for Perfect Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Okay, wanna take this Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo from good to *amazing*? Here’s the lowdown:

• **Searing is KEY:** Don’t crowd the pan when you’re searing the chicken! Give those thighs some space, or they’ll steam instead of getting that yummy golden crust.
• **Orzo Watch:** Keep an eye on the orzo while it’s simmering. If it starts to look dry, add a splash more chicken broth. Nobody likes crunchy orzo!
• **Cheese Melt Magic:** To get that perfectly melty cheddar, don’t be afraid to stir it in vigorously. And use freshly shredded cheese! The pre-shredded stuff has additives that can keep it from melting as smoothly. I learned that the hard way.

Variations for Your Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

This Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is fantastic as is, but hey, sometimes you gotta mix it up, right? You could swap the broccoli for some bell peppers or spinach. Mmm, spinach! Or, how about a different cheese? Monterey Jack would be delish. If you’re going gluten-free, just use gluten-free orzo! Easy peasy. And for a little kick? A dash of red pepper flakes never hurt anyone!

Serving Suggestions for Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

This Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo is pretty much a whole meal in one pan, but a little something on the side never hurts, right? A simple side salad is always a winner, maybe with a light vinaigrette. Or, grab a loaf of crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness! Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop them in an airtight container and stash ’em in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it, too! Just thaw it out completely before reheating. To reheat, I usually just microwave it (easy!), but you can also warm it up in a skillet over low heat. Just add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo – it’s super flexible. If you’re not a broccoli fan (gasp!), try bell peppers, zucchini, or even some spinach. Just toss ’em in with the cheese and let them cook until tender. Get creative!

What if I don’t have orzo? Can I substitute another pasta?

Good question! If you’re out of orzo, you can totally use another small pasta shape, like ditalini or even small shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes can cook at slightly different rates. You want it al dente, not mushy!

Can I use a different kind of cheese? Cheddar isn’t really my thing…

No problem! Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a sharp provolone would be delicious in this Skillet Chicken Thighs Broccoli Cheddar Orzo. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well!

Could I make this ahead of time? Like, prep it on Sunday for a weeknight meal?

You know, I haven’t tried prepping the *entire* dish ahead of time, but you could definitely get a head start! You could chop the veggies and season the chicken on Sunday. Then, when you’re ready to cook, it’ll come together even faster! If you do make the whole thing ahead, the orzo might soak up more of the broth, so you might need to add a splash more when you reheat it.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Hey, just a heads-up! The nutrition info is just a guide. It can totally change depending on the brands and exact ingredients *you* use. So, y’know, grain of salt!

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