Creamy Garlic Butter Pepper Jack Chicken Orzo (Printable)
Tender chicken and creamy orzo simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce with spicy Pepper Jack cheese and fresh spinach.
# 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 orzo pasta (uncooked)
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 (optional)
15 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Season chicken pieces thoroughly with paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta, toasting lightly for 1 minute to enhance nutty flavor.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
06 - Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until orzo is mostly tender and most liquid is absorbed.
07 - Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken. Add spinach and Pepper Jack cheese, stirring until spinach wilts and cheese melts completely, 2–3 minutes.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything happens in one pan, which means maximum flavor and minimum cleanup
- The Pepper Jack creates this incredible creamy sauce with just enough kick to keep things interesting
- It comes together in under 45 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
02 -
- Resist the urge to rinse your orzo, that starch is what helps create the silky sauce
- The orzo continues absorbing liquid as it sits, so if you want it soupier, add a splash more broth before serving
- Pepper Jack heat levels vary wildly, so taste your cheese before adding if you are sensitive to spice
03 -
- Cold cheese melts more evenly, so pull it from the fridge right before adding
- Room temperature chicken sears more evenly than cold from the fridge