Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

Cajun chicken orzo in skillet with serving spoon.

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Cajun

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 40

Servings: people

Calories: 544kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

This creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe only takes 30 minutes to make in one skillet! It’s completely irresistible, with seared chicken breasts, tender orzo, and a boldly flavored cream sauce in every bite.

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Equipment

Large Skillet

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts boneless & skinless, sliced in half horizontally
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons cajun seasoning divided
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons butter
1 red pepper diced
1 shallot minced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen corn kernels
4 ounces cream cheese cubed
2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro minced
1 jalapeno halved and thinly sliced, optional
1 avocado quartered and sliced, optional

Instructions

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the flour and 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning in a shallow bowl and coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate.
To the now empty skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the bell pepper, shallots, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the orzo and remaining 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the broth and corn kernels, and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is just shy of al dente, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the cream cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Nestle the chicken in the orzo and simmer for 5 minutes, or until warmed through. Sprinkle with the cilantro, jalapeno slices and avocado, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips and tricks

Be patient when preheating your skillet! It needs to be nice and hot before adding the chicken pieces so they can achieve a golden-crisp sear.
Always take the time to toast the orzo with the Cajun seasonings. It’s a quick step that will enhance its nutty flavors and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, and add more broth if needed.

Variations

Instead of orzo – Use another small pasta, like penne, rotini, or even couscous. Whole grains work well, too, like quinoa and rice.
Instead of chicken – You can’t go wrong with shrimp and andouille sausage in this dish!
For a milder spice level – Use less Cajun seasoning or omit it altogether. You can replace it with herbs and spices, like smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano.
For even more spice – Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce, or sauté fresh chili peppers with the other aromatics.
Add vegetables – Consider adding vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, kale, arugula, okra, or zucchini, for added flavor, nutrition, and texture.
Gluten-free – Use gluten-free orzo pasta or whole grains instead, such as rice or quinoa. Make sure the flour you use is gluten-free, too.
Dairy-free – Replace the butter with dairy-free butter and use vegan cream cheese, cashew cream, or full-fat coconut milk instead of regular cream cheese.

Nutrition