This Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is a fun and tasty dinner idea! You get juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and cheesy orzo all cooked together in one pan. Easy clean-up? Yes, please!
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s both delicious and simple? I appreciate how the flavors mingle, making each bite a little party in my mouth. Give it a try—you might find a new favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you need a quicker option, try pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’ll cut down on cooking time and still deliver great flavor!
Orzo: This pasta brings a creamy texture to the dish, but if you can’t find orzo, consider using other small pasta like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Cheeses: Monterey Jack provides a nice melt, while cheddar adds a sharpness. If you’re looking for a substitute, mozzarella will work well too! Just aim for a cheese that melts nicely.
Vegetables: Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes are key for flavor. You could swap in frozen spinach or any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or even zucchini.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Tender?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken can be tricky. Here’s how to make sure it stays juicy:
- Don’t overcook the chicken while searing—just get a nice golden brown on the outside.
- Cook the chicken in the oven until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let it rest after baking. This allows the juices to settle, making each bite tender.
By following these steps, you’ll be rewarded with perfectly juicy chicken every time!
Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or cream for a richer dish)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo will take about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes for a wonderful dinner that saves on dishes and delivers big flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you need it later!
2. Season the Chicken:
Generously sprinkle salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated with the seasonings.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked just yet. Remove the chicken from the pan and set them aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for around 3-4 minutes until it’s translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells delicious!
5. Cook the Orzo:
Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer so that all the flavors start blending together nicely.
6. Add the Chicken Back:
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, placing them on top of the orzo mixture. This will help them cook through while adding flavor to the pasta.
7. Toss in the Veggies:
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach evenly around the chicken in the pan.
8. Add the Cheeses:
Sprinkle both Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over everything in the pan. Who can resist that cheesy goodness?
9. Bake:
Carefully transfer the pan to your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (you want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the orzo is tender. The cheese should be bubbly and golden!
10. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done, take the pan out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This lets everything settle beautifully.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, delicious bite of your Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. To thaw quickly, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour, or leave it in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and follow the same cooking instructions.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the dish gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onion to ensure they cook through by the time the dish is ready.
