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If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal, this Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe will hit the spot! Combining tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and creamy orzo pasta, this dish is packed with bold flavors and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
This Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of the South with the convenience of a quick, one-pot meal. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or level of spice, making it adaptable for any palate.
Reasons To Love This Recipe
- It’s flavorful. The Cajun seasoning provides a spicy, smoky kick, while the creamy orzo balances the heat.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different proteins or vegetables to suit your taste.
- One-pot convenience: Everything is cooked in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Cajun Chicken Orzo Ingredients
- Chicken: For flavorful and juicy chicken, use boneless, skinless thighs. You can sub boneless, skinless breasts by adjusting the cooking time and temperature.
- Seasonings: So many flavors packed into one dish: Cajun seasonings, salt, and garlic. Need to mix up your own Cajun seasoning? Combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp each of dried oregano and thyme, ½ tsp of garlic and onion powder, and a ¼ tsp of salt and cayenne and black peppers.
- Vegetables: By starting the orzo with ½ cup of diced yellow onion and sun-dried tomatoes, you build a delicious base for the pasta. Stir in some fresh baby spinach at the end to wilt and warm before serving.
- Orzo pasta: While orzo may look like rice, it’s actually a small pasta. It cooks quickly! You could substitute steamed cauliflower rice or arborio rice (follow packaging directions).
- Liquids: Chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice contribute to the smooth and creamy mouthfeel of the dish.
- Garnish: At the last minute, stir in some fresh lemon juice and grated parmesan cheese to finish, then garnish with fresh thyme.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cajun seasoning: If you prefer less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a milder version. You can also make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
- Chicken: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast, shrimp, turkey or a different protein option.
- Heavy cream: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew cream for a dairy-free variation.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add tofu or tempeh for protein.
How To Make Chicken Orzo
Step 2: Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season it with Cajun seasoning and salt. Massage the seasonings into the chicken to evenly coat it in flavorful goodness.
Step 4: Make the orzo. Start by sauteeing the chopped onion and garlic in oil and butter over medium heat in a large skillet, then add the sundried tomatoes and orzo. Stir to coat the orzo in flavor then add chicken broth and cook for 5-7 minus until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Tips To Make This One-Pot Chicken Orzo
- Don’t overcook the orzo: Orzo cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Toast the orzo: Lightly toasting the orzo before adding the broth gives the dish a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the smoked paprika. For more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Orzo
Cajun Chicken Orzo is a pretty complete meal on its own, but it would pair well with a Simple House Salad. You could also serve some Savory Garlic Bread on the side.
Storing and Reheating
Storing: Allow the dish to cool then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 2 days.
To reheat: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated thoroughly.
You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat by adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir it occasionally for 5-7 minutes until hot.
Freezing: I do not recommend freezing pasta or any kind of creamy dishes.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Instant Pot: Use the sautee function to cook the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken, then saute the onions, garlic, and sundried tomatoes. Add the orzo and chicken broth and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes with a quick release. Stir in the spinach, cream, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese.
Slow Cooker Version: For a hands-off version, brown the chicken first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3–4 hours or until the orzo is tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative, like margarine. Then substitute the heavy cream with a mixture of 1 cup unsweetened plain dairy-free milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Finish with a dairy free cheese alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Replace the orzo with a gluten free alternative, or substitute for rice or another type of gluten free pasta.
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creaminess
You can use coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew cream for a dairy-free version, or opt for half-and-half if you prefer a lighter option.
More Cajun Recipes
- Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Baked Garlic Butter Cajun Cod
- Creamy Cajun Salmon
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe is a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and satisfying flavors. It’s a one-pot dish that’s quick enough for busy weeknights. With easy ingredient substitutions and endless variations, you can customize this recipe to suit any dietary preference.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment and rate the recipe! Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook |Instagram |Pinterest for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
Cajun Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 3 tablespoons cajun seasonings, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken thighs with a kitchen towel and season them with Cajun seasoning and salt. Massage the seasonings into the chicken thighs.
- Heat a grill pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Grill them for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and butter. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for a minute. Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about a minute. Add the chicken broth and cook for 5-7 minutes until the liquid is almost absorbed.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Then, add the heavy cream and continue cooking until the pasta is cooked to your desired consistency.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a quick mix and top it with the grilled chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the orzo: Orzo cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Toast the orzo: Lightly toasting the orzo before adding the broth gives the dish a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the smoked paprika. For more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
