Description
A cozy, one-skillet comfort dish combining tender chicken, buttery vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce with orzo pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced (or 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the sauce)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken breasts.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C), about 6–8 minutes per side. Let rest, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 5 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring, for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Make the roux: Lower the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle 1/3 cup flour over the vegetables and whisk continuously for 2–3 minutes.
- Add liquids: Gradually pour in 2 cups chicken broth while whisking, then whisk in 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream. Stir in 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder. Cook until the sauce thickens, 3–5 minutes.
- Combine: Stir in the diced chicken and fold in the cooked orzo until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for speed. For a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream for half-and-half. Gluten-free option is available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American