Creamy Sweet Corn, Smoky Chicken and Fresh Basil Express Orzo

Name: Creamy Sweet Corn, Smoky Chicken and Fresh Basil Express Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión mediterránea
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast; 8 oz dry orzo; 1 cup sweet corn kernels; 3 cups chicken broth; 3 oz cream cheese; 3/4 cup red onion; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/3 cup fresh basil; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

A quick and comforting one-pan orzo dish with golden chicken, sweet corn, cream cheese, and a hint of smoked paprika. Basil and lemon add freshness to balance a silky sauce ready in under 30 minutes.

10 minPrep

18 minCook

28 minTotal

4Servings

High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

450 g chicken breast (en dados small)
220 g dry orzo
180 g sweet corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
720 ml chicken broth (hot)
90 g cream cheese (at room temperature)
100 g red onion (chopped fina)
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
15 ml olive oil
4 g smoked paprika
1 cdita lemon zest
15 ml lemon juice
12 g fresh basil (chopped or rasgada)
4 g salt (or to taste)
1 g black pepper (or to taste)

Nutrition facts

per serving

468 kcal

Calories

31 g

Protein

36 g

Carbs

21 g

Fat

2 g

Fiber

34 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairy

Instructions

1
1. Season the chicken breast with 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, about 375°F / 190°C surface temperature, and add the olive oil. Brown the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until cooked through and lightly caramelized. Transfer to a plate.
3
3. In the same skillet, add the red onion and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat, about 320°F / 160°C. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more, stirring so it does not burn.
4
4. Add the dry orzo and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it.
5
5. Add the sweet corn and pour in the hot chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, about 212°F / 100°C, then reduce to medium and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and the mixture is creamy.
6
6. Lower the heat to gentle, about 210°F / 100°C gentle pan heat, and add the cream cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until the cream cheese fully melts into a smooth sauce.
7
7. Return the chicken to the skillet along with the fresh basil. Mix for 1 more minute to combine the flavors. Taste and adjust with the remaining salt if needed.
8
8. Serve immediately while hot, with a little extra basil on top if desired.

Chef tips

For a looser texture, add an extra 60 ml / 1/4 cup broth at the end. If using frozen corn, add it straight from the freezer without thawing.

Substitutions

You can swap the chicken breast for boneless chicken thigh. Basil can be replaced with fresh parsley, and cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer finish.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
View on Amazon
Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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Illustrative image
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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