Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that brings the whole family together, then this Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is just the ticket! This dish is incredibly simple and satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. With all the flavors of Monterey Chicken combined with the heartiness of orzo, this recipe is bound to become a favorite at your dinner table. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal that saves on cleanup?

The beauty of this dish lies in its ease. You can just dump everything into one casserole dish and let the oven do all the work. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Prepare: Just mix everything together in one dish—no complicated steps here!
• Family-Friendly Delight: The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Comforting Flavors: With garlic, spinach, and melty cheese, this dish warms your heart as much as your belly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is a breeze thanks to these simple, wholesome ingredients! They come together to create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that everyone will love.

For the Base

• 1-10.5 oz can cream of chicken with herbs
• 16 oz container sour cream
• 2.5 cups chicken stock
• 5 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning (see notes)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked pepper

For the Dish

• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves (torn or 1-10 oz box frozen chopped spinach, thawed)
• 16 oz dry orzo
• 3 cups monterey jack cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken
• 1-6 oz can French’s crispy fried onions

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to adapt it based on what you have on hand or your family’s tastes.

• Swap the protein: Try using shredded turkey or grilled chicken instead of rotisserie chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add some veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick!
• Switch up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for unique taste variations.

How to Make Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo

Step 1: Prepare Your Dish

Start by greasing a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees while you gather your ingredients. This step ensures that nothing sticks and makes cleanup even easier!

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In your greased casserole dish, add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Sprinkle in the minced garlic along with your seasonings. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—this blend will form the flavorful base of our dish.

Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring in some color and nutrition! Add in the torn spinach leaves, shredded rotisserie chicken, half of your grated monterey jack cheese, and dry orzo. Give this mixture another good whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed within that lovely creamy base.

Step 4: Top It Off

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for that melty goodness we all crave. Finish by layering crispy fried onions on top for an irresistible crunch. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.

And there you have it! A delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo

Cooking should be a fun and stress-free experience, so here are some handy tips to ensure your Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and freshly grated cheese can make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture, elevating your dish to a whole new level.

• Adjust the seasoning to taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the all-purpose seasoning or add a pinch of your favorite herbs. This will help you create a flavor profile that suits your family’s taste preferences.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking helps the orzo absorb any excess liquid and makes it easier to serve.

• Choose the right chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is convenient, but feel free to use leftover grilled or baked chicken. Just ensure it’s cooked through and shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

• Cover tightly while baking: Make sure your foil is well-sealed over the casserole dish during the first part of baking. This helps steam the ingredients, making them tender and ensuring even cooking.

How to Serve Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo

Presentation can make all the difference when serving this comforting dish! Here are some delightful ways to present your Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo that will impress your family and guests alike.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the creamy orzo beautifully.
• Sliced green onions: Adding sliced green onions gives a mild oniony flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich cheese and creaminess of the dish.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows everyone to squeeze a bit of zesty juice over their portion, brightening up flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of creamy sauce from your plate. It’s an easy-to-make classic that everyone loves!

• Roasted vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots adds color, nutrition, and texture to your meal. Simply toss them with olive oil and seasoning before roasting for maximum flavor.

• Simple green salad: A crisp salad dressed with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the orzo. Include greens like arugula or spinach along with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for added crunch.

• Steamed broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli not only complements the dish visually but also adds vitamins and minerals. Drizzle with a little olive oil and lemon juice for an extra flavor boost.

By following these serving suggestions, you’ll create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to delight everyone at your table! Enjoy every bite of your delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is perfect for meal prep, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. You can prepare it in advance and simply heat it up when you’re ready to serve, ensuring a delicious home-cooked meal is always within reach.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• Freeze the Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo in an airtight freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag.
• Label with the date to track freshness; it’s best used within 2-3 months.
• To freeze individual portions, consider using silicone muffin trays or freezer-safe containers.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warm.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo!

Can I use different types of cheese in Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a twist.

How do I make Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo healthier?

To make this dish healthier, consider using low-fat sour cream and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition!

What can I serve with Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo?

This dish is quite filling on its own, but if you’d like to add sides, consider serving it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Can I make Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo without chicken?

Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of spinach or add other vegetables you enjoy.

How long does it take to prepare Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo?

This easy recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and about 35 minutes to cook, so you can have dinner on the table in less than an hour!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo as much as I do! It’s not just simple and quick to prepare but also packed with flavor that your family will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this dish is sure to bring smiles at your dinner table. Happy cooking!