Honey Butter Cajun Chicken & Orzo

28m
Serves 4
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Directions

  1. 1Season chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, lemon pepper, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
  2. 2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. 3Sear chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides.
  4. 4Lower heat and add butter, honey, and crushed red pepper.
  5. 5Baste the chicken until glossy and coated.
  6. 6Reserve about half of the honey butter sauce for later, then remove the chicken and set aside.
  7. 7In the same skillet, sauté onion, celery, and bell peppers until softened.
  8. 8Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  9. 9Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  10. 10Stir in orzo along with the adobo seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
  11. 11Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
  12. 12Add onion powder, cayenne pepper, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves, then stir well.
  13. 13Cover and simmer for 10–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo begins to absorb the liquid by half its amount.
  14. 14Add the chicken back to the skillet and continue cooking for 8–10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and creamy.
  15. 15Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
  16. 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.