This Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is the perfect comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in one simple skillet. Featuring juicy chicken, tender orzo, and melty Monterey Jack cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy nights or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Orzo:
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
½ cup diced tomatoes (or Rotel for extra flavor)
¼ cup cooked bacon bits (optional, but delicious!)
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
2 tablespoon green onions or fresh parsley (for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Orzo:
In the same pan, melt the butter and add the orzo. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to give it a bit of a golden color. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Make it Creamy & Cheesy:
Stir in the heavy cream, Monterey Jack cheese, and bacon bits (if using). Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together. Let it heat through for 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted and the dish is creamy.
Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting meal!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the nutrient content.
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or increase the red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Swap the cheese: Try using cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
Use a different meat: Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or turkey for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini penne if you don’t have orzo on hand.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance by cutting the chicken and measuring out the spices. When ready to cook, you can quickly assemble the dish.
Can I use a non-dairy alternative for the cream?
Absolutely! You can use coconut milk or a plant-based cream as a dairy-free option for a lighter, vegan twist.
How do I make the dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or stir in some diced fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Fresh chicken is best, but you can use frozen chicken if needed. Just make sure to thaw it fully before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, all made in one pan. With juicy chicken, tender orzo, and a rich sauce, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, or swap the cheese for something different. This easy and delicious recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Recipe:
Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is a creamy, cheesy, and savory comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon, and a rich broth-based sauce, this one-pan dish is quick to prepare, customizable, and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Orzo:
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
½ cup diced tomatoes (or Rotel for extra flavor)
¼ cup cooked bacon bits (optional, but delicious!)
1 tbsp butter
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
2 tbsp green onions or fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. -
Cook the Orzo:
In the same pan, melt the butter and add the orzo. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to give it a bit of golden color. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender. -
Make it Creamy & Cheesy:
Stir in the heavy cream, Monterey Jack cheese, and bacon bits (if using). Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together. Let it heat through for 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted and the dish is creamy. -
Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
Customize by adding your favorite veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
For extra spice, increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
To make the dish dairy-free, swap the cream for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
