If you’re on the hunt for a soul-satisfying, fuss-free dinner that combines creamy comfort with bold flavors, the Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender chunks of seasoned chicken simmered together with a luscious mixture of orzo pasta, smoky barbecue sauce, and melty Monterey Jack cheese, all cooked in just one pan! This dish brings together simplicity and freshness, making every bite a delightful experience that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, richness, and texture while keeping your prep easy and your palate happy. From the juicy chicken to the creamy cheese and the savory bacon, everything plays a delicious role.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: These provide juicy, tender protein that absorbs seasoning beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle warm aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a smoky depth, making the chicken irresistibly savory.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten every ingredient.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: A tiny pasta that soaks up the sauce and adds a pleasing texture.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Keeps the orzo moist and infuses the dish with savory richness.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: The star ingredient that gives the recipe its signature tangy and smoky personality.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into creamy bliss, tying all components together.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Adds a crunchy, salty surprise in each bite.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Brings freshness and a burst of color to the dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Offers a crisp oniony sharpness that lifts the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of green and herbaceous brightness to finish off beautifully.
How to Make Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the pan warms, season your chicken chunks generously with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until the pieces are just lightly browned but not fully cooked through. This step locks in the flavors and creates a delicious base for the dish.
Step 2: Add Orzo, Broth, and Barbecue Sauce
Next, stir the uncooked orzo into the skillet, coating it in the flavorful juices. Pour in the chicken broth and barbecue sauce, and mix everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking, and cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.
Step 3: Melt Cheese and Add Toppings
Once the orzo is perfectly tender, remove the skillet lid and stir in half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, allowing it to melt into creamy goodness. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top, followed by crumbled bacon and diced tomatoes. Cover the skillet again for 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese and warm the toppings to perfection.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if using. This adds a fresh and vibrant note to the dish. Now your Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe is ready to serve, promising a sensational meal that’s bursting with flavor and comfort.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
To really make this dish shine, go beyond the suggested green onions and parsley. Consider adding a spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce for more richness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can provide a surprising bright contrast that elevates the smoky, creamy base beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty one-pan meal stands well on its own, but for a complete dinner, pair it with light, crisp sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans complement the rich flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this skillet wonder into an eye-catching centerpiece by serving it in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and bacon. Alternatively, try plating the chicken and orzo over a bed of baby spinach for a splash of color, or spoon it onto toasted garlic bread for a fun, handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe stores very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after resting, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to preserve this dish for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to keep the texture intact, especially the orzo and cheese components.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the mixture seems dry. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, so the cheese stays melty and the chicken remains juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking, but chicken breasts work perfectly well too if you prefer leaner meat.
Is it okay to substitute orzo with another pasta?
While orzo is preferred here for its small shape and quick cooking time, small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells can also be used. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly.
Can this dish be made spicy?
Yes! For a spicy kick, swap the regular barbecue sauce with a chipotle or spicy variety. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking to boost heat.
What if I don’t have bacon on hand?
No worries. You can skip the bacon or replace it with cooked pancetta or smoked sausage for a similar smoky flavor. For a vegetarian twist, toast some chickpeas for crunch instead.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe is excellent for meal prep as it reheats well and maintains its tasty texture. Just portion it out and store in fridge or freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe is one of those magical dinners that feels special without a ton of work. It balances smoky, cheesy comfort with fresh, vibrant toppings in a single pan, making clean-up easy and your taste buds incredibly happy. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how satisfying one skillet can be!
Print
Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is a delicious and easy-to-make skillet dinner combining tender seasoned chicken, creamy orzo pasta, smoky barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This hearty American main course is perfect for busy weeknights and serves up rich flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken chunks with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until the pieces are lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta with the chicken in the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and barbecue sauce, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer and Cook Orzo: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Remove the lid and stir in half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top along with the crumbled bacon and diced tomatoes.
- Melt Cheese: Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a smoky kick, use chipotle barbecue sauce instead of regular barbecue sauce.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or corn for extra vegetables and flavor variation.
- This dish reheats well and is excellent for leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep.
