If you’re craving a dish that fuses comfort-food flavors with sheer ease, Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is your new best friend. This recipe brings together juicy chicken, creamy orzo, smoky bacon, and a blend of two irresistible cheeses—all in a single skillet! Whether you’re busy on a weeknight or hosting friends for a cozy dinner, this Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo promises mouthwatering bites, vibrant colors, and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo are all kitchen staples, but when they come together, every component shines! Each item plays a key role, creating a melody of textures and flavors you’ll crave again and again.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken turn perfectly golden during searing.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, keeping things tender and versatile.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out natural flavors in the chicken and the orzo.
- Black pepper: Brings a subtle heat that balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Garlic powder: Deepens the savory notes and makes each bite punchy.
- Smoked paprika: Dials up the smokiness, mirroring the bacon while adding depth and color.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic transforms the base with its aromatic power.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with savory flavor and keeps everything moist.
- Milk: Lends the orzo creaminess for that dreamy texture.
- Orzo pasta: Tiny pasta pearls soak up all the tasty goodness in the pan.
- Diced tomatoes: Their sweetness and acidity brighten the whole dish.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into the orzo for a silky, cheesy hug.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds tang and a classic cheesy pull.
- Cooked bacon, crumbled: Because smoky, crispy bacon makes everything better!
- Green onions, sliced: A touch of brightness and fresh crunch as the perfect finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings color and a pop of herbal freshness right before serving.
How to Make Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This simple seasoning blend gives the meat a savory, aromatic foundation. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken and let it sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until it develops a beautiful golden crust. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and rest it briefly—you’ll return it to the pan soon!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Don’t waste those flavorful bits left in the skillet! Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant. This quick step builds a savory, aromatic base for your Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo and awakens all the flavors you’ve already got going.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then stir in the orzo and diced tomatoes. Give it all a good mix to combine. Raise the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce it to low. This lets the orzo slowly plump up, absorbing all that creamy, savory liquid and the fresh flavor of tomatoes.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Cook Together
Carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, tucking them right into the creamy orzo mixture. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let everything simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. During this time, the orzo becomes tender and the chicken finishes cooking through, locking in all that flavor. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 5: Slice Chicken and Add Cheese
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it and slice it into strips. Now, stir Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses into the hot orzo. Watch as the cheeses melt into creamy perfection, turning this skillet into a swoon-worthy, cheesy base for your Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Return the sliced chicken to the top of the cheesy orzo, then sprinkle generously with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and a handful of fresh parsley. Serve this dish straight from the pan while it’s bubbling and beautiful—it’s the ultimate comfort served family-style!
How to Serve Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! Sprinkle extra bacon crumbles and freshly sliced green onions over each serving. A little more Monterey Jack or cheddar on top, just before serving, melts into dreamy creaminess. Chopped parsley adds a fresh pop of green, making your Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
Side Dishes
This dish is a one-pan wonder, but if you’d like to round it out, a crisp green salad or some simple roasted vegetables pairs beautifully. Garlic bread is a classic choice for scooping up every last bit of cheesy orzo. You’ll find that Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo holds its own, but welcomes plenty of delicious sides!
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling portions of Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo into shallow bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation. For a special occasion, serve individual portions garnished with microgreens and a lemon wedge for brightness. If you want to wow at a gathering, make a double batch and serve it buffet-style so guests can help themselves to this crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if you love it even more the next day. Be sure to store any garnishes separately and add them fresh right before eating for the best texture.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions for later, let the dish cool completely, then portion the orzo and chicken into freezer-safe containers. Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo freezes well for up to two months, but leave off the fresh garnishes until you’re ready to serve. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore its creamy texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. Add fresh parsley and green onions just before serving to revive those bright flavors!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and rich flavor. Make sure to adjust the cooking time so they’re cooked through, and enjoy the extra tenderness they bring to your Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes—simply swap the regular orzo for a gluten-free variety. Double-check your broth and other packaged ingredients to make sure they’re gluten-free as well, and you’re all set to enjoy Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo without worry.
What cheese alternatives can I use?
If you crave a bit of heat, Pepper Jack is a zesty swap for the Monterey Jack. You can also use mozzarella for extra stretchiness, or try a sharper cheddar if you like a more pronounced cheesy flavor in your Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo.
Can I add vegetables to the orzo?
Definitely! Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini just before simmering the orzo. These extras make the dish even more colorful and nutritious without overpowering those signature Monterey Chicken flavors.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can use unsweetened dairy-free milk and your favorite plant-based cheeses to make a dairy-free Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo. The results are deliciously creamy and satisfying, even for those who need to avoid dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I’m sure you’ll fall for it too. It’s easy, comforting, and just packed with flavor. Grab some simple ingredients, gather around the skillet, and treat yourself to a dish that’s as inviting as it is effortless. Bon appétit—you deserve it!
Print
Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, creamy orzo, gooey cheeses, and crispy bacon for a satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Orzo Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings:
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Orzo Mixture: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add chicken broth, milk, orzo, and tomatoes. Simmer, then return chicken to the skillet.
- Add Cheese: Stir in Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses until creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Slice chicken, return to the pan, and top with bacon, green onions, and parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding barbecue sauce to the orzo before the cheese.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts.
- Adjust cheese types based on preference; pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick.
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