Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Best Chicken Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Creamed Corn Orzo
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ cups (20 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and coat them generously with Best Chicken Seasoning to ensure they are flavorful before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the finely chopped onion. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Toast the Orzo and Corn: Add the uncooked orzo pasta, drained sweet corn, kosher salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Toast everything together for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring often, until the orzo is nearly al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed—this should take about 10 minutes.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Continue cooking and stirring for roughly 2 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the orzo nicely.
- Combine Chicken and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir and cook together for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure the chicken is reheated and all flavors meld.
- Serve: Plate the creamed corn orzo with chicken and optionally sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and extra flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the dish will be less rich.
- You can use fresh corn kernels instead of canned for a fresher taste but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor profile.
- Ensure the orzo does not overcook to maintain a pleasant texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American