If you’re not quite ready to let go of summer, this Jerk Chicken Orzo is the perfect way to ease into fall. It’s creamy, packed with flavor and the perfect one-pan meal. Made with tender jerk-seasoned chicken, tri-colored bell peppers, fresh herbs, and orzo cooked in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with just the right amount of spice. It’s bold, cozy, and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen—without actually spending all day.
This Orzo is bursting with bold flavors and perfect for an Flavor packed weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Jerk Chicken Orzo
- Bursting with flavor – the jerk seasoning, aromatics, and creamy orzo come together in the best way.
- Easy to make – one pan, simple steps, and dinner is done.
- Comforting and hearty – creamy, spicy, and cozy all at the same time.
- Weeknight-friendly – quick enough for busy nights but tastes like you put in way more effort.
- Versatile – make it creamier, spicier, or load it up with extra veggies.
Ingredients for Jerk Chicken Orzo:
- Chicken thighs: cut into pieces.
- Jerk marinade: this adds that bold jerk flavor. I love using this brand. They also have a mild version.
- Roasted Chicken Flavor Base: Adds an extra layer of savory, roasted chicken flavor throughout the dish.
- Seasonings/Spices: I use a combination of pantry staples along with fresh thyme to build even more flavor.
- Bell Peppers: I used tri-colored peppers.
- Shallots: Adds a mild onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the peppers and jerk seasoning. Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is always a must for extra flavor.
- Butter: the base to create the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: helps make the sauce extra creamy.
- Heavy Cream: this helps make this dish nice and creamy.
- Water: or chicken broth. Helps cook the orzo.
What to serve Jerk Chicken Orzo
- broccoli
- side salad
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe
- yeast rolls
More Recipes to try
- Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta with Sausage
- Summer Steak Crostini with Bruschetta
- Ultimate Steak Caesar Sandwich Recipe
If you try these Jerk Chicken Orzo please be sure to leave a comment, and or tag me on Instagram @cookwithci. I would love to see your recreations and hear your thoughts.
Jerk Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs chopped
- 2 tsp Knorr flavor base
- 1 tbsp jerk marinade + 1 tsp
- 1/2 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 shallot
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup orzo
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tsp jerk marinade
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add to a bowl. Season with 1 tbsp jerk marinade, 1 tsp of chicken flavor base, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well to coat and let marinate for at least 15 minutes. While the chicken marinates, prep the veggies.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 6 minutes, until nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 1 tsp of oil and a knob of butter. Toss in the bell peppers, shallot, and fresh thyme. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until fragrant then add in minced garlic and saute for 2 more minutes.
- Stir in the dry orzo and toast for 2–3 minutes, letting it soak up the flavor.
- Pour in the water and season with roasted chicken paste, garlic paste, and 1 teaspoon of chicken flavor base and 1 tsp jerk seasoning. Carefully stir in the heavy cream to combine.
- Grate in parmesan cheese mix to combine. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover with foil, then place a lid on top. Cook on low for 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy.
Did you make it?
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