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cajun chicken skillet

Cajun Chicken Orzo Recipe

This One-Pan Cajun Chicken Orzo is a creamy, 30-minute dinner that’s family-approved and easy to clean. Perfect for busy nights!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 615kcal
Author: Ruth Truett

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
  • Cajun seasoning see below for recipe
  • 2 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 med onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bunch kale, ribs removed and torn into small pieces
  • 1½ cups orzo
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  • Liberally season the chicken.
  • On medium-high heat, sear the chicken thighs, on both sides, in the avocado oil. Approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
  • Remove the chicken. Add the butter to the skillet and cook the onions, garlic, and kale until the onions and kale are softened a bit.
  • Add the orzo, toasting it in the butter and veg mixture for 2-3 minutes.
  • Nestle the chicken thighs back into the orzo and veg mix.
  • Add the broth, reduce heat, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender. Approximately 20-25 minutes.
  • Remove from the skillet from the heat and carefully stir in the cream, parmesan cheese and finish with the lemon juice. Add kosher salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Cajun Seasoning Recipe, makes ¾ cup
  • 3 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tablespoon Granulated Garlic
  • 2 tablespoon Granulated Onion
  • 2 tablespoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne, Optional
 
If you are using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can cut down on the sear time just a bit. These will not take as long to cook as a bone-in thigh or chicken breast.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 615kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 852mg | Potassium: 438mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 577IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 2mg
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