Description
A flavorful and hearty one-pan meal featuring crispy bone-in chicken thighs cooked to perfection with tender orzo pasta and bright, steamed broccoli, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon for a balanced and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in (skin-on) chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Orzo and Broccoli
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook another 5-7 minutes until browned on the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo, chicken broth, and water to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the Broccoli: While the orzo cooks, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Once the orzo is cooked, add the broccoli to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo and broccoli mixture. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors and heat the chicken through. Stir in the grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy a balanced, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs with skin for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
- If you prefer, use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.
- Steaming broccoli separately prevents overcooking and keeps it bright green.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving enhances brightness and balances richness.
