Imagine a cozy, all-in-one dinner that’s bursting with flavor, super simple to make, and cleans up in a snap. That’s exactly what Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo delivers! Tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, melted cheese, and a touch of fresh herbs all cooked together in one pan—this dish is pure comfort food magic. It’s like your favorite takeout, but way better because it’s homemade and made with love.
Whether you’re after a fuss-free weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe has your back. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
One Pan Wonder: Less mess, less stress, more deliciousness.
Creamy & Cheesy: That luscious orzo and melted cheese combo will have you coming back for seconds.
Juicy Chicken: Perfectly cooked, tender chicken breasts soak up all the savory flavors.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Customizable: Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or spice it up with your favorite seasonings.
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Ingredients in Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless, tender, and juicy—cooked right in the pan with the orzo.
Orzo Pasta
Creamy and tender, it cooks right alongside the chicken, soaking up all the flavor.
Chicken Broth
Adds richness and depth, keeping the orzo perfectly moist.
Garlic & Onion
A savory base that flavors the whole dish beautifully.
Diced Tomatoes
Adds brightness and a little tang, balancing the creamy cheese.
Cheddar Cheese
Melted and gooey, it brings that irresistible comfort food feel.
Olive Oil
For sautéing and adding richness.
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro
For a fresh, herbal finish.
Salt & Pepper
To season and bring everything together.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to get it nice and hot.
Combine Ingredients
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in the skillet until golden on both sides, then remove and set aside.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent—this is where your flavor builds!
Assemble the Dish
Add orzo to the skillet, stirring to toast lightly. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan.
Cook to Perfection
Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Finishing Touches
Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt into a creamy, cheesy layer.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve warm. This dish shines on its own or alongside a crisp green salad.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
- Pair with a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a light contrast.
- Serve with steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus.
- Add a side of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of cheesy goodness.
Additional Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the orzo.
- Stir in fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for some greens.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use instant orzo?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly since instant orzo cooks faster.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice for a delicious alternative.
Q3: What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella also melt beautifully.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pan or split between two pans for even cooking.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 450 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Conclusion
Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is everything you want in a dinner: comforting, creamy, packed with flavor, and super easy to pull together. It’s a one-pan wonder that makes weeknights feel a little more special—and less stressful. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
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Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring seasoned chicken breasts cooked with orzo pasta, vegetables, and melted cheese—all in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add orzo, chicken broth, water, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture.
- Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat if preferred.
- Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella or cheddar if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with orzo
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg