Description
This Cheesy Adobo Chicken recipe combines tender shredded chicken and orzo pasta in a creamy, smoky chipotle sauce, topped with a generous amount of Colby-Jack or cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, this Mexican-inspired dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Shredded Chicken:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Orzo Pasta:
- 12 oz orzo pasta
Chipotle Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Jack or cheddar cheese
Additional:
- Salt to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chipotle Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the chipotle peppers, cumin, and black pepper, cook until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Cook until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add shredded chicken and cooked orzo to the sauce, stirring to combine. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese. Bake covered, then uncovered until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, reduce the number of chipotle peppers.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or warm tortillas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
