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–+ servings
Cajun Chicken Orzo

Savory Cajun Chicken Orzo for a Cozy Family Dinner

A comforting one pot meal featuring Cajun Chicken Orzo, perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to fit dietary preferences.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 3-4 lbs Organic Chicken Thighs and drumsticks are more tender
  • 2 tsps Cajun Seasoning Blend Can be homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used as a substitute
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be swapped in
For the Sauce
  • 3 cups Organic Chicken Stock Vegetable stock for vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Organic Heavy Cream Coconut cream for dairy-free option
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Substitute with other oils as preferred
  • 2 Tbsps White Cooking Wine Optional, replace with lemon juice or more stock
For the Orzo and Veggies
  • 1 cup Dry Orzo Pasta Gluten-free pasta works for gluten-free option
  • ½ lemon Freshly-Squeezed Lemon Juice Adjust according to taste
  • 1 cup Chopped Organic Kale Optional for extra nutrition and texture
For the Finish
  • 2 Tbsps Unsalted Butter Vegan butter for plant-based option
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic Adjust to your preference
  • 1 cup Freshly-Grated Parmesan Dairy-free cheese for vegan version
  • 1 tsp Additional Cajun Seasoning

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. In a large bowl, marinate the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet, add chicken, sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic, then add Cajun seasoning and chicken stock, scraping the browned bits.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Stir in orzo, heavy cream, and lemon juice; cook uncovered for 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
  6. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted, adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavor. Maintain proper cooking temperatures for best results.

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