Creamy Garlic Butter Pepper Jack Chicken (Printable)
A luscious one-pan skillet with tender chicken, creamy orzo, spinach, and spicy Pepper Jack in garlic butter.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 teaspoon paprika
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Orzo & Aromatics
05 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
06 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
→ Liquids & Creaminess
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup whole milk
11 - 1/3 cup heavy cream
→ Cheese & Finish
12 - 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
13 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
14 - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
15 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How To Make:
01 - Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta, toasting lightly for 1 minute to enhance nutty flavor.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to deglaze the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
06 - Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until orzo is mostly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
07 - Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken. Add spinach and Pepper Jack cheese, stirring until spinach wilts and cheese melts completely, 2–3 minutes.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one pan so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time actually enjoying your meal
- That moment when the Pepper Jack melts into the sauce and suddenly the whole kitchen smells like heaven
02 -
- The orzo will continue thickening as it sits so if you want it creamier add a splash more milk or cream before serving
- Pepper Jack heat levels vary wildly between brands so taste yours before adding extra spice
03 -
- Grate your own Pepper Jack instead of buying pre-shredded for the smoothest melt
- Keep the heat at medium once you add the dairy or the sauce might separate