Creamy BBQ Ranch Chicken Orzo
A rich and comforting one-skillet dinner featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo, smoky BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and melted white cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- large skillet
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- Add the orzo to the same skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Stir the heavy cream, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded white cheddar cheese into the cooked orzo until smooth and creamy.
- Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. For extra smoky flavor, use a hickory BBQ sauce. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of chicken broth or cream.