This Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is a tasty and easy meal that brings together juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and creamy cheese—all in one dish! It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Who doesn’t love a recipe that means fewer dishes to wash? 🙌 I usually whip this up when I’m craving comfort food without the fuss. Just throw it all in one pan, and you’re set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too! They add a richer flavor but may need longer cooking time.
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta is fantastic for this dish! If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with rice or a similar small pasta like ditalini or even couscous.
Onion: I love using sweet onions for their mild flavor. Yellow or white onions can also do the trick. If you’re in a hurry, you can even use onion powder in a pinch.
Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese brings creaminess to the dish. Feel free to swap it with cheddar or a blend of your favorites if needed. Just be mindful of the flavor changes!
How Can I Get My Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions may take some patience, but the result is worth it! Sweet, golden-brown onions infuse your dish with amazing flavor.
- Start with medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the sliced onions, and stir them occasionally. Be patient; let them cook for about 8-10 minutes.
- If they start to stick, don’t be afraid to add a splash of water to loosen them up.
Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder. Make sure to rub the spices into the chicken for great flavor all around.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
4. Caramelize the Onions:
Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the sliced onions. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized. This adds such a sweet and rich flavor!
5. Add Garlic and Broth:
Add the minced garlic and let it cook for a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Combine the Ingredients:
Stir in the orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Make sure everything is mixed well and the orzo is mostly submerged in the broth.
7. Nestle the Chicken:
Place the seared chicken breasts on top of this lovely mixture. It’s time for everything to come together!
8. Bake It:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is reaching 165°F (74°C).
9. Add Cheese:
Once baked, remove the skillet and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Pop it back in the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts beautifully.
10. Final Touches:
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the whole dish for a zesty finish. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, if you like!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Let it rest for a few minutes so all the flavors can settle, then serve. Enjoy every delightful bite of your Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo!
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken for This Recipe?
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quicker cooking, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer! Just make sure to increase the cooking time, as bone-in cuts take longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave it gently or warm it up on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with your favorite meat substitute, like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep those delicious flavors intact.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’d like to adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of chili powder, or omit it altogether for a milder dish. Alternatively, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like some extra kick!
