Honey Butter Cajun Chicken & Orzo: One-Pan Creamy Heat – Black Foodie Finder

Sweet Heat Meets Creamy Comfort in One Pan

This Honey Butter Cajun Chicken & Orzo by Kiana Gray is the kind of meal that hits every note—spicy, sweet, creamy, and savory all in one skillet. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken gets coated in a glossy honey butter sauce, then nestled into a rich, flavorful orzo that soaks up every drop.

It’s bold, comforting, and perfect for weeknights when you want something that feels a little extra without the extra dishes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp lemon pepper
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Honey Butter:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

For the Orzo:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 celery stalk (diced)
• 1/2 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1/2 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 1/2 cups orzo
• 2 tsp adobo seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 2 bay leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

• Coat chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, lemon pepper, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a skillet.
• Sear chicken until golden on both sides.

3. Make Honey Butter

• Lower heat, add butter, honey, and red pepper.
• Baste chicken until glossy.
• Reserve some sauce and remove chicken.

4. Sauté the Base

• In the same pan, cook onion, celery, and bell peppers until softened.
• Add tomato paste and cook briefly.

5. Build the Orzo

• Add garlic, then stir in orzo, adobo seasoning, and paprika.
• Toast for 1–2 minutes.

6. Simmer

• Pour in broth and cream.
• Add seasonings, herbs, and bay leaves.
• Cover and simmer until liquid reduces.

7. Finish Cooking

• Return chicken to skillet and cook until orzo is tender and creamy.

Pro Tips and Suggestions

• Sear chicken well for maximum flavor
• Don’t skip toasting the orzo
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
• Adjust spice level to taste
• Use coconut milk for a dairy-free twist

About the Creator

This recipe is by Kiana Gray, the creator behind @_cookingwithkiana. She’s known for bold, flavorful meals and her popular one-pan recipes that make cooking easy and delicious.

Kiana Gray | @_cookingwithkiana

Watch it Come Together