One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

Indulge in the flavors of this One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo---a guaranteed family staple! Using homemade cajun seasoning, chicken stock, heavy cream, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan, orzo, and kale, this decadent chicken dish comes together in a flash, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Plus, you only need one skillet! Even the kids will love this creamy chicken! Dairy-free option.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links via Amazon for products that I wholeheartedly love.

Honestly, if you love chicken or a good creamy chicken dish, then this One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo is surely the recipe for you! I seriously can't get enough of this dish and the amount of flavor jam-packed in one is absolutely incredible! When it comes to most days, weeknight meals are my go-to because I love how quick and easy they are, especially after an extremely busy day.

I don't know about you, but my Creamy Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken is yet another dish that I make on a regular and I enjoy substituting the chicken or other ingredients like seafood (lobster, shrimp, salmon) or even non-meat options like chickpeas, etc. Regardless of the main meat item involved, you're guaranteed to enjoy the flavors in this dish. Plus, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast with Broccoli is one to try next!

What Can Be Cooked in a Cast-Iron Skillet?

With skillets, I love using cast-iron skillets that are premium in their coating and make, much like Le Crueset or Staub skillets. However, when it comes to making meals in my favorite skillet, I truly enjoy switching things up and keeping dinners in my house interesting by making any of the following:

• Pizza
• Any kind of chicken (in the oven or stovetop)
• Pancakes
• Lasagna
• Brownies
• Sandwiches (paninis, grilled cheese, etc.)
• Oatmeal
• Galettes
• Crisps
• Stews
• And the list goes on.

How to Make One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

Cooking One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo is generally an easy process---in total about 30-35 minutes. You first start by cleaning and washing your chicken pieces to ensure that they are clean and ready to be seasoned. I like to wash my chicken with both vinegar and lemon to help keep things clean and sanitized.

Once your chicken is clean, then it's seasoning time! I'm all about seasoning every "layer" of my food, therefore, the chicken gets direct seasoning and so does the sauce. Let everything marinate for 5-10 minutes or overnight tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for the best results.

In a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat, add the butter + olive oil and once fully heated, add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the marinated chicken and cook on each side until seared, about 3-4 minutes each side. Once brown on each side, remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, add the ingredients for the sauce, mix in the orzo, bring to a boil, add the chicken atop the orzo (slightly tucking them in between) and then reduce heat to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, and continue to simmer until the orzo swells, sauce thickens, and the chicken is cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in grated parmesan. Remove from heat once done. Serve and enjoy!

Ingredients for One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

The ingredients for this creamy cajun chicken orzo are important for developing the right flavor notes. Here's what you'll need:

• Chicken. You can use a mixture of thighs or breasts, just remove the skin first.
• Cajun seasoning. Use store-bought or my homemade seasoning blend.
• Seasonings. You'll need salt and smoked paprika for the chicken marinade along with cajun seasoning.
• Garlic. If you don't have fresh, substitute with ½ teaspoon of powdered garlic.
• Thyme. I recommend fresh, but if you only have dried, use a half teaspoon.
• Butter. I recommend unsalted. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter.
• Olive oil. Extra fat to this dish that adds additional flavor. You can sub with Grapeseed oil or Avocado oil.
• Lemon juice. Freshly-squeezed is best! You can also include half a lemon or slices to sauce.
• Orzo. You can use white orzo or multi-color.
• Chicken stock. Make your own or use low-sodium store-bought stock.
• Heavy cream. I always use organic! For dairy-option, sub with full-fat coconut milk or cream.
• White wine. Use your favorite dry white. You can omit this and sub with additional chicken stock.
• Parmesan cheese. You could also use pecorino romano.
• Kale. Use fresh for best results, but frozen also works! Ensure that it’s chopped. Feel free to use spinach, collards, asparagus, broccoli or broccolini, etc.

Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend

Sure, you can find pre-made seasoning blends at the grocery store. But there’s nothing like the fresh, customized flavor you get by making your own blend. The herbs and spices in the cajun spice mix for this recipe are inspired by the fresh herbs that work so beautifully together to create a bold, spicy flavor (from the cayenne + paprika).

You can Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container at room temperature for up to six months. Use it on anything from simple roasted vegetables to salad dressing to herb oil for dipping bread.

CAJUN SEASONING BLEND

To make your own homemade seasoning, combine the following:

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne
• Dried thyme
• Onion powder

Ingredient Substitutes + Meat Alternatives for this Creamy Dish:

Making this One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo doesn't have to be left to only chicken or orzo. No worries----the possibility of switching things up with another meat or alternative is also a good idea:

• Beef
• Steak
• Gnnochi
• Rice (brown, basmati, etc.)
• Pasta
• Potatoes
• Tofu or tempeh
• Chickpeas
• Other beans (black beans, kidney beans, etc.)
• Lamb
• Other seafood (lobster, shrimp, salmon, etc.)

Tips for Making One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

Don't be intimidated to cook this One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo at home. It's easier than you think! In fact, one-pot meals are easier to cook than their counterparts in some ways because everything can be supervised together.

Keep these tips in mind when cooking your chicken and orzo:

• Always sear your chicken first. This helps to start the "cooking" process of your chicken early which cuts done the time and it also helps to give your chicken a beautiful golden color and crust.
• This is a very flavorful dish, with lots of seasoning. If you prefer a more mild flavor, you can reduce the amount of spices and herbs.
• Orzo is a variety of pasta. If you'd like to make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute orzo with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package instructions. However, in general once orzo is fully cooked, it will swell in size and becomes firm and chewy in texture.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS CHICKEN ORZO!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, wooden spoons, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

What White Wine is Best in White Bean Creamy Chicken Orzo?

I tend to use a lot of white cooking wine, which is easiest for me. However, I do occasionally add quality white wine to my dishes and I recommend using a dry white wine. But, if you prefer not to use wine at all, simply substitute with additional chicken stock.

A dry white wine will add the right amount of acidity rather than sweetness, which will better compliment your dish like this white bean soup. In general, any of the following dry white wines work great in this soup:

Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and dry sparkling wines.

Can I Make Dairy-Free One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo?

Yes! To make this sauce dairy-free, simply use vegan butter instead of the regular butter. Then swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. And use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

How to Store Leftover Creamy Chicken Orzo

Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

More Fancy Weeknight Dinner Recipes

• Nashville Hot Cauliflower + Kale Grits
• Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
• One-Pot Creamy Lobster and Orzo
• Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits
• Southern-Style Cajun Pasta 
• Creamy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken + Spinach Tortellini 
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice
• Creamy Salmon Alfredo Pasta
• Date Night Healthy Shrimp Lo Mein
• Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you make this One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo, be sure to tag me on Instagram @orchidsandsweettea!

One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

February 14, 2023 •

By Shanika

4.91 from 11 votes

This One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo is a family favorite for a reason. It's full of flavor and the ultimate comfort dish!

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 35 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Serves: 4 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

CHICKEN:

• 2 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (Thigh or breast pieces work great!)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon cajuns seasoning blend
• handful of fresh thyme sprigs

ORZO:

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta, original or multicolor (See Post on Cooking Tips)

SAUCE:

• 4 Tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups organic chicken stock/broth
• 1 cup organic heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning blend
• ⅓ cup freshly-grated parmesan
• 2 Tbsps white cooking wine, optional (You can sub with additional chicken stock)
• ½ lemon, freshly-squeezed
• 2 cups organic kale, chopped

Instructions

MARINATE THE CHICKEN:

• In a large bowl, add your freshly cleaned + rinsed chicken along with salt, smoked paprika, cajun seasoning, and thyme, mixing everything together until chicken is fully coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. NOTE: Best when chicken is marinated overnight in the fridge or up to 2 days for more flavor!

COOK THE CHICKEN:

• In a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat, add the butter + olive oil and once fully heated, add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the marinated chicken and cook on each side until seared, about 3-4 minutes each side. Once brown on each side, remove chicken from skillet and unto a plate. Set aside.
• Now, in the same skillet, add the orzo, chicken stock, and cajun seasoning, stirring until everything is combined. Add the chicken back into the skillet, slightly tucking them in between the orzo.
• Let everything boil for a minute or so before reducing heat to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. After about 15 minutes, add the heavy cream, cooking wine, lemon juice, and kale, stirring slightly to incorporate without moving the chicken too much.
• Once the orzo swells, the liquid reduces, and the chicken is cooked through and tender, add in the grated parmesan (around the chicken), stirring slightly again to incorporate without moving the chicken too much. Let everything cook for another 5 minutes and remove from heat.
• To serve, spoon the orzo and chicken into your prepared plate(s) or bowl(s).
• Bon Appétit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• GREENS: To add a bit more flavor to this dish, you can always feel free to add in your favorite greens such as spinach, broccolini, collards, or asparagus. 
• CAJUN SEASONING (STORAGE): Any leftover cajun blend seasoning can be stored in a ziplock bag or jar for later use or used as garnish. 
• DAIRY-FREE OPTION: To make this sauce dairy-free, simply use vegan butter instead of the regular butter. Then swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. And use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. 

Nutrition

Calories: 662kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 263mg | Sodium: 939mg | Potassium: 765mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 5257IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 240mg | Iron: 3mg

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