Honey Butter Cajun Chicken & Orzo
Directions
- 1Season chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, lemon pepper, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- 2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3Sear chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides.
- 4Lower heat and add butter, honey, and crushed red pepper.
- 5Baste the chicken until glossy and coated.
- 6Reserve about half of the honey butter sauce for later, then remove the chicken and set aside.
- 7In the same skillet, sauté onion, celery, and bell peppers until softened.
- 8Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- 9Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- 10Stir in orzo along with the adobo seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- 11Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
- 12Add onion powder, cayenne pepper, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves, then stir well.
- 13Cover and simmer for 10–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo begins to absorb the liquid by half its amount.
- 14Add the chicken back to the skillet and continue cooking for 8–10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and creamy.
- 15Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
- 16Drizzle the reserved honey butter sauce over the chicken before serving.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 0.5 red bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups orzo
- 2 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3.5 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 4 sprigs thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Equipment
large skillet
Tips
- Baste the chicken with the honey butter sauce until glossy and coated.
- Reserve about half of the honey butter sauce for later.
- Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.
- Drizzle reserved honey butter sauce over the chicken before serving.
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