Cowboy Butter Chicken Orzo is creamy, buttery, and packed with flavor! Tender pieces of chicken are cooked with my popular Cowboy Butter Seasoning, then served with orzo in a rich sauce made with my famous Cowboy Butter. It all cooks in one skillet, making dinner easy and delicious!

If you love Cowboy Butter as much as I do, you have to try this one! The buttery sauce, Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon make every bite so good. And if you want even more ways to use it, check out my Cowboy Butter recipes for more tasty ideas!

Skillet of Cowboy Butter Chicken Orzo on a wooden table from overhead.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly. Chicken thighs also work well. If using 2 pounds of chicken, you may need to cook it in batches to get a nice golden color.
Cowboy Butter Seasoning: This adds bold, savory flavor to the chicken. My homemade seasoning is perfect for this recipe, as well as others like my Crockpot Creamy Cowboy Chicken Pasta.
Cowboy Butter: This is the heart of the dish! The cowboy butter melts into the orzo and creates a rich, buttery sauce. If you make it ahead of time, have it ready to add to the skillet after cooking the chicken.
Yellow onion and garlic: These add a savory base to the sauce. Finely chop the onion so it softens quickly, and use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
Orzo: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks right in the skillet with the broth, soaking up all that buttery flavor. Orzo is the best choice here, since other pasta shapes may need different amounts of liquid and cooking time.
Chicken broth: The orzo cooks in the broth, giving it flavor as it softens. Low-sodium broth is a good option if you want more control over the salt.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and makes the sauce creamy. Heavy whipping cream is the same thing and can be used interchangeably. Half-and-half can work, but the sauce may be thinner.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce and adds a salty, nutty flavor. For the smoothest sauce, grate it yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
Lemon juice: A little fresh lemon juice brightens the rich butter and cream sauce. Freshly squeezed is best.
Parsley and chives: These fresh herbs add color and a fresh finish. Use one or both, depending on what you have available.
Crushed red pepper: Optional, but a sprinkle on top adds extra heat. Start with a little and add more to taste.

Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Chicken Orzo

Brown the chicken in batches: If your skillet is crowded, the chicken will steam instead of brown. Cook it in batches if needed, then set it aside while you prepare the orzo.
Toast the orzo: Let the orzo cook in the melted Cowboy Butter for about a minute before adding the broth. This helps coat the pasta in all that buttery flavor.
Stir often: Orzo can stick to the bottom of the skillet as it cooks. Stir it often, especially as the liquid starts to absorb.
Add broth as needed: If the orzo absorbs the broth before it is tender, add a splash of chicken broth and keep simmering. You want the pasta tender with a creamy sauce, not dry or sticky.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded cheese. Stir it in gradually for a creamy finish.
Finish with lemon and herbs: The lemon juice helps balance the rich butter and cream, while the parsley and chives add a fresh touch. Taste before serving and adjust as needed.

Bowls of Cowboy Butter Chicken Orzo on a wooden table with a ramekin of cowboy butter.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken in Cowboy Butter Chicken Orzo?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken (like my shredded chicken) works well and saves time. Skip the step of seasoning and cooking the raw chicken. Instead, prepare the Cowboy Butter, onion, garlic, and orzo as directed. Stir in the cooked chicken when you add the cream and Parmesan, then simmer until the chicken is heated through.

Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Orzo ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh because the orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits. If you need to prepare it ahead, you can cook the chicken in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to finish the dish.

What if the orzo absorbs all the liquid before it is tender?

Add a splash of chicken broth and continue simmering, stirring often, until the orzo is tender. The amount of liquid needed can vary slightly depending on your skillet and how quickly the orzo cooks.

Can I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Orzo spicier?

Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper to the sauce or sprinkle it over individual servings. You can adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo works best because it cooks quickly and creates a creamy, almost risotto-like dish. You can try another small pasta, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and amount of broth based on the pasta you use.

What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Chicken Orzo?

This is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted broccoli, or roasted parmesan green beans. A slice of crusty bread is great for soaking up any extra buttery sauce!

How To Store Cowboy Butter Chicken Orzo

Refrigerator: Store leftover Cowboy Butter Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

To Reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen the sauce, since the orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended. The creamy sauce may separate, and the orzo can become soft or mushy when thawed and reheated.