Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo is a cozy, comforting one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with spicy, smoky cajun seasoning, this dinner achieves big flavor with minimal effort. It's filled with plenty of protein, carbs and healthy fats for a well-rounded dish that makes for some epic leftovers.
Equipment
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Large pan
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs These little guys stay juicy and tender after pressure cooking
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Pick your fave brand or make your own blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil or avocado oil For searing that chicken nice and golden
- ½ Jumbo yellow onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 Green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste optional
- 1 cup Dry orzo Small pasta that cooks quick and soaks up creaminess real good
- 2 cups Chicken broth or bone broth Bone broth adds extra protein and real flavor depth
- ½ cup Heavy cream for that creamy touch
- 2 oz Fresh spinach to toss in for some green goodness
- Juice of half a lemon for a fresh zing at the end
Instructions
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and then season both sides with cajun seasoning, salt & pepper. Bring a large pan to medium high heat. Once hot, add olive oil. Then, add seasoned chicken. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. If there is plenty of excess oil remaining in the pan, just use that. If not, add a bit more olive oil. Then, add onion, bell pepper, salt & pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and garlic, stir, and let cook for 2 more minutes. Then add cajun seasoning and stir to combine.
- Next, add orzo. Let it toast, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes. Then, deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan.
- Nestle the chicken in the orzo, making sure it's mostly submerged. If not, add a bit more broth. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is done through and the orzo is tender. I like to flip my chicken halfway through.
- Turn off the heat. Temporarily remove the chicken from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, spinach and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper & cajun seasoning as needed.
- Once the spinach has wilted slightly, add back in the chicken, top with parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
To make this dairy free, simply swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative such as Country Crock Plant Cream or full-fat canned coconut milk.