Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; ¼ teaspoon cayenne (or to taste); ½ teaspoon Kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1½ teaspoons grapeseed oil (or similar); 1 tablespoon butter; 2 shallots (sliced); ½ cup thinly sliced assorted bell peppers (about 6 mini sweet peppers); 1½ teaspoons grapeseed oil (or similar); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup orzo (uncooked); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; ¼ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Elevate your chicken routine with this creamy Cajun chicken orzo. It's full of bold flavor and can be on your table in just 25 minutes.

side view close up of bowl of chicken and orzo.

If you love hearty risotto, like this indulgent Short Rib Risotto, you will love this Cajun chicken orzo. The orzo is creamy and cheesy, and the addition of chicken takes it from a side dish to a main dish.

Why you will love this recipe

The skillet-to-oven cooking method keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Create big and bold flavors with just a few spices from your pantry.
Quick and easy - a winner for weeknight meals.
Chicken and orzo can be cooked separately or at the same time to get dinner on the table faster.
Orzo is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth, resulting in a creamy, risotto-like consistency.

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Why you will love this recipe
Ingredient notes
Step-by-step instructions
Serving
Recipe tips
Variations
Recipe FAQs
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📖 Recipe Card
💬 Comments

Ingredient notes

ingredients for creamy cajun chicken orzo.

Spices - Staples such as paprika, cayenne, oregano, onion, and garlic powder give this dish its flavorful, mildly spicy vibe.
Chicken - I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs if preferred, but the cooking time will vary.
Orzo is a small pasta that resembles rice in shape. It is readily available at most supermarkets, but if you can't find it, use another tiny pasta, such as ditalini.
Vegetable or chicken broth - Adds much more flavor to the orzo than cooking with water.
Parmesan cheese enhances the creamy consistency of the orzo. I recommend freshly grated Parmesan. Other good melting cheeses such as Fontina, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere can also be used.

Step-by-step instructions

See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

Chicken

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Mix the spices. Use half of the spice mixture to season the chicken.

Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter. Add the chicken and cook 3-4 minutes per side until browned.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees. Remove from oven and rest.

Orzo

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the peppers and onions and cook until soft, approx. 7-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

cooking peppers and onions until softened in a saucepan.

Add butter to the saucepan. When melted, add the orzo and stir to coat with the butter. Add the remaining spice mixture and stir to coat the orzo. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Turn the heat up to medium and add the broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed. The orzo should be al dente.
Add the cream and cheese and stir until the cheese is melted.

adding cream and cheese to the cooked orzo.

Add the onions and peppers back in, reserving some for garnishing. Fold together.

stirring peppers and onions into creamy orzo.

Serving

This orzo is best served immediately. After the chicken has rested, slice it thin and arrange it over the top of the orzo.

This hearty dish only needs a green salad or vegetable on the side. Try my seven-layer salad and oven charred broccolini.

close up of serving bowl of orzo topped with chicken.

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Recipe tips

Sauté the peppers and shallots while searing the chicken. Then, simmer the orzo while the chicken finishes in the oven. Dinner will be ready in no time!
Cook orzo with chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor.
Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165 degrees. The amount of cooking time will vary depending on the size and cut of the chicken used.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper depending on how much spice you like.

Variations

Shrimp

Shrimp pairs wonderfully with Cajun flavors. Substitute shrimp for the chicken or use both for a surf and turf mash-up.
Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp in some butter in a skillet until pink and translucent. Serve on top of the orzo.

Sausage

Sausage is another great choice for this dish. Use sausage on its own or in addition to the chicken.
Use spicy andouille, Spanish chorizo, bratwurst, or kielbasa. For uncooked sausages, cook then slice and serve with the orzo. For cooked sausages, just slice and stir into the orzo until warmed through.

top down shot of two serving bowls of orzo and chicken.

Recipe FAQs

How do I reheat cajun orzo?

Reheat the orzo in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir in some chicken broth or cream to loosen the consistency as needed. The chicken can be reheated in the microwave and served with the orzo.

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning blend?

Yes, you can certainly use a pre-made seasoning blend if you have it on hand. I like to make my own to control the amount of salt and the level of spice.

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