Description
Skillet chicken thighs mingle with tender broccoli and creamy orzo in this Mediterranean-inspired one-pan wonder. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a comforting meal that satisfies with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Carbohydrates and Vegetables:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Infuse chicken thighs with a vibrant blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme, creating a flavor-packed seasoning layer.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing the skin to transform into a golden, crispy masterpiece over 5-7 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until achieving a beautiful brown color on the opposite side, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Pour orzo, chicken broth, and water into the skillet, stirring to combine all elements thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing the orzo to become tender and absorb most of the liquid.
- Simultaneously, prepare broccoli florets by steaming or blanching for 3-4 minutes until they reach a perfect crisp-tender consistency.
- Fold the prepared broccoli into the orzo, creating a harmonious mixture of grains and vegetables.
- Carefully nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet, gently pressing them into the orzo and broccoli medley.
- Cover and allow the dish to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through completely.
- Elevate the dish’s brightness by stirring in grated Parmesan cheese, zesty lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a final touch of color and freshness.
- Serve piping hot, inviting everyone to savor this delightful one-skillet wonder.
Notes
- Master the chicken skin crisp by patting thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum browning and crunch.
- Customize the dish for dietary needs by swapping orzo with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or using gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Prevent orzo from becoming mushy by measuring liquid precisely and stirring occasionally during cooking to maintain perfect texture.
- Elevate flavor complexity by adding a splash of white wine when deglazing the skillet before adding broth, which enhances overall depth and richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg