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Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Recipe for Easy Delicious Dinners - Featured Image

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Recipe for Easy Delicious Dinners

Learn how to make delicious Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that bring out the best flavors without fuss. I always lean towards fresh, quality chicken breasts and good-quality Monterey Jack cheese because they truly elevate the dish. Using fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds that homey touch I grew up loving in my mom’s kitchen. If you’re short on fresh herbs, dried will work in a pinch, but fresh really makes the difference here.

  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • Optional: 1 cup baby spinach or chopped tomatoes for added color and nutrients

If you don’t have Monterey Jack on hand, mozzarella or mild cheddar can be great substitutes. Just remember that each cheese will bring a slightly different melt and flavor, so adjust seasonings accordingly.

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the orzo to the pan and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the orzo.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan.
  5. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  6. Remove the chicken breasts and shred or slice them as you prefer. Stir the shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the orzo until melted and creamy.
  7. Add the chicken back to the pan along with fresh parsley and optional spinach or tomatoes. Stir gently to combine and warm through for another 2 minutes.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo, recipe, cooking, food