If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that absolutely wows without dirtying a sink full of dishes, Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy, seasoned chicken mingling with smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and tender orzo—all coming together in a single skillet. This dish is as colorful as it is comforting, loaded with pops of fresh tomato and green onions, and ready in just over half an hour. Trust me, you’ll want to dig into this Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is refreshingly simple, yet each element brings its own magic—whether it’s the hint of smokiness from paprika, the creamy melt of Monterey Jack, or the savory depth from bacon. Every component earns its place, coming together for a skillet dinner that feels both effortless and extra special.
- Olive oil: Gives the chicken a beautiful sear and adds a lovely, subtle richness to the base of the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay tender; you can also swap in rotisserie chicken for speed.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a little kick.
- Garlic powder: Lends a mellow, all-over garlic flavor that infuses the chicken.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky, almost barbecue-like depth that ties the whole dish together.
- Yellow onion: Sautéed for sweetness and a soft, aromatic foundation.
- Fresh garlic: Minced and quickly sautéd for that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma.
- Orzo pasta: The star carb—these tiny rice-shaped pasta pieces soak up all the saucy goodness right in the pan.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful without overdoing the salt.
- Barbecue sauce: Adds tang, sweetness, and a punch of flavor that makes Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo unforgettable.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Melts like a dream and brings that creamy, cheesy finish everyone loves.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon: For crunch, smokiness, and extra savory oomph.
- Diced tomatoes: Freshness and a little acidity to balance the richness.
- Chopped green onions: Bright, crisp, and the perfect finishing touch.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For an extra pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let the chicken sizzle for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s lightly browned and mostly cooked through. The seasonings infuse the chicken with flavor, while the sear locks in the juices, making for irresistibly tender bites in your Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add the diced onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion softens and turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, releasing that wonderful garlicky aroma. These aromatics are the backbone of the dish, setting up deep, savory notes that mingle beautifully with the rest of the flavors.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the uncooked orzo to the pan, stirring it into the chicken and aromatics to coat it with all those tasty pan juices. This quick toasting step is a game-changer—it gives the orzo a slightly nutty flavor and ensures it cooks up perfectly tender as it soaks in the broth and barbecue sauce.
Step 4: Simmer Everything Together
Pour in the chicken broth and barbecue sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This is when all those flavors marry and the magic of Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo truly happens.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Toppings
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in half of the Monterey Jack cheese so it melts into the orzo, making everything extra creamy. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, along with the crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and green onions. Cover the pan for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and gooey. Top with fresh parsley if you like, and serve your Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo warm and melty—pure comfort!
How to Serve Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
Garnishes
Go big with the toppings! A final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of green and a subtle herbal freshness, while extra green onions provide brightness and crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a swirl of extra barbecue sauce or a dash of hot sauce on top can make each serving of Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo feel even more irresistible and personalized.
Side Dishes
This skillet dinner is truly a one-pan wonder, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or simple steamed green beans. The fresh, crunchy sides balance the rich, cheesy Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo and add a little extra color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style feel, or spoon it into individual bowls for a cozy, comforting presentation. If you’re hosting, try serving it in small ramekins as a hearty appetizer, or pile it high on a platter and scatter with extra toppings for a festive, shareable centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo keeps beautifully! Simply let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or easy next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, portion the cooled orzo into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions on medium power until heated through, or warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making leftover Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo just as delicious as the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Just add the rotisserie chicken after cooking the onions and garlic, right before you add the orzo. This shortcut makes Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo even faster for busy nights.
Is there a substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or even cheddar. Just keep in mind that Monterey Jack melts especially well and gives that signature creamy finish to Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! A handful of baby spinach stirred in during the last few minutes is delicious, or you could add bell peppers, corn, or peas for extra color and nutrition without changing the spirit of Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo.
What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
Go with your favorite! A smoky, slightly sweet sauce works beautifully, but if you like extra tang or heat, choose a sauce that matches your taste. The barbecue sauce really sets the flavor profile for Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the skillet?
Give the mixture a gentle stir every few minutes as it simmers, and make sure to keep the heat on low once you add the liquids. This helps the orzo cook evenly and prevents sticking, making your Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo perfectly tender every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cheesy, hearty, and truly crowd-pleasing, Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is the comfort food hero you didn’t know you needed. It’s easy, flavorful, and just plain fun to make and eat. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears from your dinner table—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a flavorful and comforting American dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked with orzo pasta in a cheesy, smoky barbecue sauce. This easy stovetop recipe combines savory flavors from smoked paprika, garlic, and bacon with creamy Monterey Jack cheese for a hearty, kid-friendly meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is lightly browned and mostly cooked through.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add the diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, coating it in the pan juices. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and barbecue sauce, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Orzo: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and combined into the dish.
- Top and Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve the warm, cheesy Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo immediately.
Notes
- For a quicker version, substitute fresh chicken with rotisserie chicken pieces.
- Add a handful of baby spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- This dish reheats very well, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
