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)

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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