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- Chicken breast and its preparation You will need 1 pound of chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it cook evenly and helps it soak up all the great flavors. - Orzo pasta details Use 1 cup of orzo pasta. Orzo looks like rice but cooks quickly. It will absorb the chicken broth and become tasty. - Cajun seasoning specifics You need 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. This spice mix adds heat and depth. It usually has paprika, garlic, and herbs. - Seasonal vegetables for added flavor You can add seasonal vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or corn. These will boost the taste and nutrition of the dish. - Suggested garnishes Fresh parsley is a great garnish. Chopped green onions or lemon wedges can also add a fresh touch. {{ingredient_image_1}} Initial skillet preparation Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This oil helps cook the veggies and chicken. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke. Sautéing vegetables Next, add one diced onion and one diced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir them around for about five minutes until they soften. This step adds a great base of flavor. After that, toss in two minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute. You want to smell that nice garlic aroma! Adding Cajun seasoning Now, it's time to add one pound of bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over the chicken. This spice mix is key to giving this dish its bold flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about seven to eight minutes until it's nice and brown. Ensuring chicken is cooked through Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through before moving on. You can cut a piece open to check if it’s no longer pink inside. Incorporating orzo and broth Once your chicken is ready, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir them for two minutes to mix the flavors. Then, pour in two cups of chicken broth and bring it to a boil. After that, stir in one cup of orzo pasta. Resting and serving Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for ten to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and absorbs most of the liquid. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for two to three minutes. Fluff the dish with a fork and add more seasoning if you need. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal! - Best practices for sautéing: Use a large skillet. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper first. Cook for about five minutes. This softens the veggies well. Stir often to avoid burning. Add garlic next for a tasty aroma. Cook just one minute for best flavor. - Timing for added ingredients: Add chicken pieces after the veggies. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Cook until the chicken turns brown. This usually takes seven to eight minutes. Then, add cherry tomatoes and cook for two more minutes. This keeps them fresh and juicy. - Recommendations for additional spices: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika. This gives a nice, smoky flavor. You can also add cayenne for heat. Start with a little, then taste it. - Using homemade Cajun seasoning: If you like, make your own seasoning. Mix paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. This lets you control the heat and spice level. Pro Tips Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use homemade chicken broth: If possible, use homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor compared to store-bought options. Add veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and color in your dish. Adjust spice level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder blend to suit your taste. {{image_2}} You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Sausage gives a smoky taste that pairs well with spices. For a gluten-free option, use rice or gluten-free orzo. These swaps keep the meal fun and fresh. Remember to adjust cooking times for different proteins. Mix up your spice game! Try different spice blends like Creole or jerk seasoning. These add unique flavors and heat. If you like it spicy, add jalapeños or hot sauce. Just a little can give your dish a nice kick. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra depth. To store leftover Cajun Chicken Orzo, first, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. Avoid leaving it out for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow if food sits too long. Reheating Cajun Chicken Orzo is easy. You can use the stove or microwave. For the stove, place it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir often until it’s hot. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat in one-minute intervals, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. Enjoy your flavorful meal any time you want! How to make Cajun Chicken Orzo from scratch? To make Cajun Chicken Orzo from scratch, start by heating olive oil in a large skillet. Add diced onion and bell pepper, then sauté until soft. Stir in minced garlic for one minute. Add bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned. Then, add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for two more minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in orzo and reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and cook until the orzo is tender. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Can I prepare Cajun Chicken Orzo ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare Cajun Chicken Orzo ahead of time. Cook it as directed and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. What are some good side dishes to serve with Cajun Chicken Orzo? Many side dishes pair well with Cajun Chicken Orzo. Here are some tasty options: - A simple green salad with vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a crunchy contrast - Roasted vegetables for added nutrition - Coleslaw for a creamy side These sides will complement the spicy flavors of the orzo and chicken. This blog post explored how to make Cajun Chicken Orzo, using simple ingredients. You learned about preparing chicken, cooking orzo, and enhancing flavors with spices. I shared tips on ingredient swaps and storing leftovers, too. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own. Try new flavors or add your favorite ingredients. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Cajun Chicken Orzo

A flavorful dish combining chicken, orzo pasta, and Cajun spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 7-8 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cooked through, add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Stir in the orzo and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an extra 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, orzo, pasta