This Chicken and Chorizo Orzo is the perfect quick, evening meal. It’s ready in 30 minutes, made in one pan, packed with protein, nourishing, and absolutely delicious. It’s also a perfect recipe to make ahead of time to make life a little bit easier. It’s a one pan recipe and takes no time at all to prepare! The perfect, high protein and comforting.
Ingredients Required
- 300 g (101/2 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces for chicken breast
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 250 g (9 oz) chorizo, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) white wine (optional)
- 1 cup (200 g) risoni (orzo) pasta
- 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
- ½ cup (125 ml) thickened (heavy) cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated parmesan, plus extra for garnish
- 2 firmly packed cups (100 g) baby spinach
- Extra salt and pepper, to taste
Equipments Needed
- Chopping Board
- Frying Pan
- Chef’s Knife
Ingredients and Its Substitutions
I’ve listed the ingredients below, to see the measurements and the full recipe, scroll to the recipe at the bottom of this page!
Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a substantial amount of protein and less fat than any other cut of chicken. The chicken gets minced into small pieces for a quicker cooking process. You can also use Chicken Thighs instead if you prefer!
Baby Tomatoes – For an extra boost in your health, the tomatoes add volume to the dish as well as a touch of pleasantness. It can also be served as one of your 5-a-day.
Chorizo – Provides a delicious smoky, salty flavor and extra protein .
Tomato Puree – Adds an acidic note to the dish to deflate through the salty chorizo and spiciness of the sauce.
Cajun Spice – Adds a spicy, smoky flavor to the sauce. Smoked paprika can also be used if you prefer.
Orzo – Orzo is a form of short-cut pasta shaped like a substantial grain of rice. Orzo is traditionally made from flour, but you can also use the whole grain one. This recipe won’t work with various pasta shape as you’ll need a lot more liquid to cook.
Milk – Makes the sauce nice and creamy and also adds extra protein to it!
Making Of Chicken and Chorizo Orzo
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together the seasoning, lemon juice and oil. Toss in the chicken thighs until fully coated, then cover it and marinate in the refrigerator for as long as you have time for (up to overnight). Even 20mins or so as you prep the other ingredients will benefit accordingly. Bring close to room temp before frying if marinating in the refrigerator.
- Now, place a large deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs in the pan and fry both sides until lightly scorched and cooked right through the center (around 5 mins each side depending on size you choose). If they start scorching too aggressively just lower the heat slightly. Removing it will help and place to one side, leaving the excess oil behind.
- Now, lowering the heat to medium and adding the onion and pepper. Fry in the pan until soft and golden, then add the chorizo and garlic and fry for 1-2 mins. Stir in the tomato sauce and fry for a minute, then stir in the orzo. Pour in the stock then add the sun dried tomatoes, olives, oregano and smoked paprika. Give it a nice stir and make sure to bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat slightly and allow everything to bubble away until the sauce is a bit thick and the orzo is al dente, stirring nicely throughout the process. If the sauce dried out before the orzo has cooked, just stir in more stock a splash at a time. If you run out of stock just use boiling water which will do the work. Check for seasoning and spices adjust if needed.
- Add the chicken back in to warm it through (alongside the resting juices) then cherish with parsley, serve up and enjoy!
Tips
Adjust Level Of Spices: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun spice or take it out altogether. On the other hand, for extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Cook Orzo Al Dente: Keep an eye on the orzo while it is cooking to ensure it doesn’t become mushy Because it will ruin the process. Cooking it al dente (firm to the bite) will yield the best texture for this dish which will ensure to give you a title for best cook.
Customized Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers, for adding flavor and nutritions.
Use Quality Chorizo: Elect for high-quality chorizo with a robust flavor, as it will substantially enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people or to have leftovers for meals which can be used in future. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities according to the increment in the dish.
Creatively Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley over the finished dish for freshness and a pop of colors.
Making it Dairy-Free: If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can change the milk with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy texture without dairy.
Storing Chicken and Chorizo Orzo
After preparing the Chicken and Chorizo Orzo, make sure to let it cool completely before storing.
Refrigeration: Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. The dish will keep well without any insignificance for up to three days.
Freezing: If you’d like to store this meal for long term use, you can freeze it. Place the cooled dish in any freezer-safe container or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing it will be goo to store in an airtight bag. Store in the freezer for up to three months.
Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy the frozen portion, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat patiently on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring must be done occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between occasionally, until warmed to your preference.
Conclusion
One-pan dishes like Chicken and Chorizo Orzo are my jam. Throw everything in a single pan and let the flavors mesh together and simply enjoy. This Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Orzo is absolutely delicious, but the best part about it is that it’s a one pan recipe and takes no time to make it!
