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
Scale
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.
