Creamy Chicken One-Pan (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Protein
01 -
1.5 pounds chicken breasts, no bones or skin, diced into small chunks
→ Base Ingredients
02 -
4-5 garlic cloves, crushed
03 -
¾ cup drained sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
04 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
05 -
1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
06 -
¾ cup full-cream coconut milk or heavy cream
07 -
1 cup orzo (tiny pasta shapes)
08 -
2 ¾ cups chicken stock or water
09 -
½ teaspoon kosher salt
10 -
2 teaspoons dried Italian herb blend
11 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Toppings & Finishing Touches
12 -
Fresh spinach leaves, 2 large handfuls
13 -
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated fresh
# Instructions:
01 -
Use paper towels to dry the chicken well. Slice it up into bite-sized cubes, keeping them the same size. Set them to the side for now.
02 -
Heat a big skillet over medium. Pour in the olive oil and wait for a shimmer—it helps you know it’s ready.
03 -
Toss the chicken pieces into the pan and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once in a while. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way now, just some golden edges.
04 -
Mix in the crushed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and the Italian herb mix. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, so the flavors can really come together.
05 -
Pour in the orzo along with the chicken stock or water. Stir everything until it’s combined. Lower the heat a bit, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 12 minutes. Stir once in a while so it doesn’t stick.
06 -
Once the orzo’s cooked, add the spinach and coconut milk (or cream). Stir it all together until your spinach wilts and the sauce looks smooth.
07 -
Take the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the dish. Give it a gentle stir to blend the cheese into the sauce, making it extra creamy.
08 -
Take the skillet off the heat and dig in while it’s still warm. It’s perfect just as it is!
# Notes:
01 -
Drying the chicken ahead of cooking helps it brown better and taste great.
02 -
Keep an eye on the orzo and stir it often so it doesn’t get stuck to your pan.
03 -
Let the food rest for a few minutes before eating—it makes it even creamier!