One Pot Cajun Chicken Orzo
Updated Jul 14, 2025, Published on Feb 07, 2022
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you're looking for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner then this One Pot Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe is an excellent choice! Combining tender chicken, creamy orzo, and a homemade Cajun seasoning blend that’s bursting with bold flavors. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe comes together in one pan in under an hour, making it a go-to for anyone craving a hearty and satisfying meal.
The secret to this dish is the homemade Cajun spice mix, featuring smoky paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. It’s the perfect seasoning for the juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy fire-roasted tomato sauce. Plus, with just one pot, cleanup is a breeze—ideal for busy families or anyone looking for easy recipes with maximum flavor.
Whether you’re a fan of Cajun-inspired recipes, love one-pot meals, or want to explore easy chicken dinner ideas, this dish delivers. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve it hot for a dinner that feels both indulgent and effortless.
What ingredients do I need to make this One Pot Cajun Chicken Orzo?
Cajun Seasoning Mix
- 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 3/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- 3/4 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Other Chicken Orzo Ingredients
- 1 tsp Avocado Oil
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, cubed
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 Sweet Onion, diced
- 1/2 Green Pepper, diced
- 1/2 Orange Pepper, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz Crushed Fire Roasted Tomatoes, 1 can
- 1 cup Orzo, dry
- 1.5 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 oz Cream Cheese
- Fresh Parsley, to serve
How do I make this one pot orzo dish?
- Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and salt & pepper in a small bowl. Cube chicken breast and toss with half of the seasoning mixture.
- Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add seasoned chicken breast and cook stirring occasionally until chicken is cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the same pan over medium heat. Add onion and peppers and cook stirring often for about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and orzo. Toast for 2 minutes.
- Add can of tomatoes, the other half of the seasoning mixture, and chicken broth. Let it come to a boil then turn heat down to medium low and simmer until orzo is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir frequently. Add more chicken broth if needed.
- Turn heat to low. Stir in cream cheese. Add back the cooked chicken and stir to combine. Serve with fresh parsley.
Did you try this One Pot Cajun Chicken Orzo recipe? Leave a Review!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to leave a rating and review, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or TikTok!
One Pot Cajun Chicken Orzo
Equipment
- Sauté Pan This Made In sauté pan is my favorite for all of my orzo recipes
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning Mix
- 2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Other Chicken Orzo Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Avocado Oil
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1/2 Sweet Onion, diced
- 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 1/2 Orange Bell Pepper, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz Crushed Fire Roasted Tomatoes, 1 can
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta, dry
- 1.5 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 oz Cream Cheese
- Fresh Parsley, to serve
Instructions
- Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and salt & pepper in a small bowl. Cube chicken breast and toss with half of the seasoning mixture.
- Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add seasoned chicken breast and cook stirring occasionally until chicken is cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the same pan over medium heat. Add onion and peppers and cook stirring often for about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and orzo. Toast for 2 minutes.
- Add can of tomatoes, the other half of the seasoning mixture, and chicken broth. Let it come to a boil then turn heat down to medium low and simmer until orzo is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir frequently. Add more chicken broth if needed.
- Turn heat to low. Stir in cream cheese. Add back the cooked chicken and stir to combine. Serve with fresh parsley.
Video
@carolbeecooks February Orzo Series: One Pot Cajun Chicken Orzo 🫑 #orzotok #orzotiktok #onepot #onepotrecipe #cajun #cajunchicken #orzo
♬ Money Trees - Kendrick Lamar
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So good! I love this flavor combo and so happy to enjoy it in such an easy approachable recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Hi,
I’m based in the UK – is the chicken broth a soup or chicken stock cubes?
Thanks
Hello! I’m referring to chicken broth or chicken stock which usually comes in cans like soup or in a carton. You can also replace with water and chicken stock cubes or paste.
I love this recipe! I have even made it with normal rice before and it’s also great that way, if you don’t have any orzo on hand. Just made it again tonight and it’s so yummy. Love the creative orzo recipes on this site 🙂
Made this last night and reheated for lunch today. It was amazing!
So happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for trying it out and leaving a comment!