Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
A delightful twist on the classic comfort food, this creamy orzo dish combines chicken, vegetables, and rich flavors for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced) Use cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or half-and-half) For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 pieces carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Fats
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- to taste Chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the orzo according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter along with the olive oil. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly golden.
- Reduce the heat to medium and sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies. Stir to form a paste and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the chicken bouillon powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens.
- Stir in the diced, cooked chicken and let it simmer for a few more minutes to heat through.
- Finally, mix in the cooked orzo until everything is creamy and well combined.
- Ladle into bowls, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture as it may thicken upon refrigerating. Use leftover homemade chicken for more flavor, and feel free to add more vegetables such as peas, green beans, or mushrooms.