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.
