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Creamy Chicken Orzo

Creamy Chicken Orzo

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Chicken Orzo is a cozy, creamy dish that combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked orzo in a rich sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it’s deliciously satisfying and ready in no time!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds Chicken breast Cubed, boneless and skinless.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons Olive oil Divided into portions.
  • 0.5 onion Onion Chopped.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1.5 cups Dry orzo pasta Acts as a great base for this dish.
  • 3 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cups Heavy cream Should be at room temperature.
  • 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese Freshly grated, plus more for topping.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme Chopped, for garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice For flavor brightness.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Grater
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Large Pot
  • Frying Pan

Method
 

  1. Toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, add in the chicken, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
  3. Add in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then add in the onion. Sprinkle with salt, and cook for a couple minutes until softened. Add in the garlic, and cook for another minute.
  4. Stir in the orzo, then add in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Cover the pan and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the orzo is cooked.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley, thyme, more Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Make sure to bring the heavy cream to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that it doesn’t seize and turn clumpy when added to the dish.
  • Tip 2: Check on the pasta frequently as it cooks and lower the heat as needed. The liquid will boil out and the orzo will burn if the heat is too high.