Creamy Garlic Butter Pepper Jack Chicken Orzo (Printable version)
Tender chicken and creamy orzo in garlic butter with spicy Pepper Jack and fresh spinach, all in one pan.
# What you'll need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 teaspoon paprika
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Orzo & Aromatics
05 - 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
06 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 5 cloves garlic minced
08 - 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
→ Liquids & Creaminess
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup whole milk
11 - 1/3 cup heavy cream
→ Cheese & Finish
12 - 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
13 - 2 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
14 - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
15 - Lemon wedges for serving
# Directions:
01 - Toss chicken cubes with paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and onion, cook until fragrant and translucent, 2–3 minutes.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat with butter.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and whole milk. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
06 - Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid has been absorbed.
07 - Stir in heavy cream, cooked chicken, spinach, and Pepper Jack cheese. Continue stirring until spinach wilts and cheese melts completely, 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
08 - Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything happens in one pan, which means maximum flavor and minimum cleanup
- The Pepper Jack brings this gentle heat that feels like a hug instead of a challenge
02 -
- Keep stirring during the simmer phase, orzo loves to cling to the bottom of the pan
- Resist the urge to add salt until the very end since cheese and broth bring plenty
03 -
- Pat your chicken completely dry before seasoning for better browning
- Grate your own Pepper Jack instead of buying pre shredded for superior melting