Description
This Chicken Thighs with Orzo & Broccoli recipe achieves a balance of deep comfort with vibrant vitality. It's a nutrient-dense meal that features succulent chicken thighs, tender orzo pasta, and crisp-tender broccoli, all cooked in a single pan for effortless cleanup. Seasoned with garlic and lemon, this dish offers a sophisticated blend of flavors and textures, making it a staple for any wellness-focused kitchen.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs Chicken Thighs (Bone-in or Boneless)
1 cup Dry Orzo Pasta (Whole Wheat preferred)
2 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets
2 cups Chicken Bone Broth
3 cloves Fresh Garlic (Minced)
1 whole Lemon Juice and Zest
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
to taste Sea Salt
to taste Black Pepper
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season both sides with sea salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Flip and sear for another 4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside
- In the same skillet at medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant
- Add dry orzo to the skillet, stirring frequently for 2 minutes to lightly toast
- Pour in chicken bone broth, scrape up browned bits and bring to a gentle boil
- Place chicken thighs back in, cover with a lid, and simmer on low for 10-12 minutes
- Remove lid and scatter broccoli florets over the top, replace lid, and steam for 5 minutes
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley, let rest for 3 minutes before serving
Notes
Monitor the moisture levels; add broth if too dry or leave uncovered to thicken if too watery.
Add broccoli at the end of cooking to maintain its texture and nutrients.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg