Creamy Chicken Orzo is a comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delicious orzo pasta, making it a well-rounded meal that pleases everyone at the table. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also uses simple ingredients that you might already have on hand, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal without much fuss.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Directions:
- Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully cooked (internal temp 165F) and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until slightly softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and whisk until a paste forms. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth and thickened.
- Add chicken, chicken bouillon powder, and orzo. Simmer until desired consistency.
- Spoon into bowls and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo
To serve Creamy Chicken Orzo, spoon a generous portion into bowls. You can top it with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and color. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese also makes a great addition. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Orzo
To store leftovers, let the Creamy Chicken Orzo cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo
- Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Whisk the sauce well after adding the chicken broth and cream to prevent lumps.
- You can adjust the thickness of the dish by adding more chicken broth or cream as needed.
- For a bit of texture, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by adding other vegetables like peas or bell peppers. If you prefer, you can also use shrimp or diced turkey instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice if you prefer.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve, but the orzo may absorb some sauce, so you may want to add extra broth.
Q: Is it okay to freeze Creamy Chicken Orzo?
A: Yes, you can freeze it for later. Just be aware that the texture may change once thawed.
Creamy Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the seasoned chicken until fully cooked (internal temp 165F) and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until slightly softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and whisk until a paste forms. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth and thickened.
- Add chicken, chicken bouillon powder, and orzo. Simmer until desired consistency.
- Spoon into bowls and enjoy! Optionally, top with fresh herbs or grated parmesan cheese.
