This Cajun Chicken Orzo delivers warm, creamy comfort with a spicy Southern kick. Think tender, seasoned chicken, buttery orzo that soaks up a silky cream-and-broth sauce, and bright bell pepper and parsley for color and bite. It’s rich but not heavy, with a nice smoky spice from the Cajun seasoning.
Top reasons to make this: it’s quick to cook, uses simple pantry items, and turns into great leftovers. If you like dishes such as Cajun chicken pasta, you’ll love how this one swaps pasta shapes for tiny rice-shaped orzo that cooks into the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes dinner on the table fast
- Made with simple pantry and fridge staples
- Great for meal prep and tasty as leftovers
- Comforting, creamy, and lightly spicy family friendly
Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Orzo
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions of Cajun Chicken Orzo
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with the Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes so it soaks up flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scrape up any browned bits from the pan, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring once, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Slice or chop the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Stir the heavy cream into the orzo and simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
- Fold the chicken back into the skillet, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Heat through for another minute.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Use medium heat when cooking the onion and pepper so they soften without burning.
- Toast the orzo briefly before adding liquid for a nutty flavor and better texture.
- If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
- Taste and adjust salt after adding cream dairy can mellow flavors.
Substitutions & Variations of Cajun Chicken Orzo
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- For vegan: swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened cashew cream and use a plant-based chicken substitute or chickpeas.
- For gluten-free: use gluten-free orzo (made from rice or corn) or swap for short gluten-free pasta.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or frozen peas for extra veggies.
- Make it smoky: add a pinch of smoked paprika or use andouille sausage in place of chicken.
- Turn it into a lighter dish by using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
Storage Instructions of Cajun Chicken Orzo
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to revive creaminess.
- Freezer: This dish can be frozen, but texture may change. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Make-Ahead: Cook the chicken and chop the veggies a day ahead. Cook the orzo fresh when ready, or fully assemble and gently reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Cajun Chicken Orzo
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
- Yes. Stir in shredded pre-cooked chicken in the last few minutes of cooking to warm through.
Is orzo the same as rice?
- No. Orzo is a small pasta shaped like rice. Use gluten-free orzo or short pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
How can I make this less spicy for kids?
- Reduce the Cajun seasoning by half and add more cream or a little butter to tame the heat. You can also remove seeds from the bell pepper to cut back on any extra bite.
Final Thoughts
Cajun Chicken Orzo is a fast, cozy dish that brings bold flavor without fuss perfect for busy weeknights or a simple family meal. The creamy orzo and well-seasoned chicken hit that comfort-food spot while still feeling fresh. If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating so others know how it turned out for you I’d love to hear which variation you enjoyed most!
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Cajun Chicken Orzo
A quick and comforting dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with the Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes so it soaks up flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scrape up any browned bits from the pan, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring once, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Slice or chop the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Stir the heavy cream into the orzo and simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
- Fold the chicken back into the skillet, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Heat through for another minute.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Pour in a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much. You can use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian