Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Recipe

If you are searching for a comforting, rich, and effortlessly delicious dish to add to your weeknight rotation, look no further than the Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy orzo, fresh spinach, and two kinds of cheese into a one-pan wonder that bakes itself into golden, bubbling perfection. It’s everything you want in a warm, satisfying meal without a pile of pots and pans to wash afterward. Trust me, this Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo will soon be your favorite easy dinner to make on any busy night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is in its simplicity. Each ingredient works perfectly to create layers of flavor, from the creamy base that binds everything together to the crispy fried onions that add an irresistible crunch on top.

• Cream of chicken with herbs (1-10.5 oz can): Adds a flavorful, creamy foundation with a subtle herbal note.
• Sour cream (16 oz container): Brings tanginess and a velvety texture to the sauce.
• Chicken stock (2.5 cups): Provides savory depth and ensures the orzo cooks perfectly.
• Garlic cloves minced (5 cloves): Offers aromatic warmth and a punch of flavor that elevates the whole dish.
• All-purpose seasoning (1 teaspoon): See notes for seasoning ideas—adds balance and enhances all the flavors.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to bring out the best in every ingredient without overpowering.
• Freshly cracked pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and freshness.
• Fresh spinach leaves (3 cups torn) or frozen chopped spinach (1-10 oz box, thawed): Brings vibrant color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness.
• Dry orzo (16 oz): The star pasta element that cooks within the mixture and absorbs all those incredible flavors.
• Monterey Jack cheese (3 cups freshly grated): Melts smoothly for a luscious, cheesy experience.
• Rotisserie chicken (2 cups shredded): Adds tender meat effortlessly—perfect for a speedy meal.
• French’s crispy fried onions (1-6 oz can): Tops the dish with unbeatable crunch and a hint of savory sweetness.

How to Make Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

The very first step to great Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is prepping your casserole dish. Grease a 9×13-inch dish well with nonstick spray or a little butter to ensure the creamy orzo doesn’t stick during baking and your cleanup will be a breeze. Then, preheat your oven to 350 degrees to get it ready for all the deliciousness going in.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In your greased casserole dish, combine the can of cream of chicken with herbs, sour cream, and chicken stock. Add in the minced garlic cloves, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk everything vigorously until smooth and completely lump-free. This creamy mixture will be the luscious sauce that cooks the orzo to tender perfection.

Step 3: Add the Spinach, Chicken, Cheese, and Orzo

Next, toss in the fresh spinach leaves (or the thawed frozen spinach), shredded rotisserie chicken, half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese, and the dry orzo right into the creamy liquid. Use your whisk or spoon to evenly combine all these ingredients so the spinach is well distributed and every grain of orzo is coated in that flavorful sauce. This is where the magic happens — the orzo will cook by absorbing all the liquid in the oven, creating creamy, tender noodles infused with every tasty element.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of your mixture, then layer on the French’s crispy fried onions for a golden crunchy topping. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the onions turn a beautiful golden brown. The final product will be rich, cheesy, and perfectly bubbly with a delightfully crisp crust.

How to Serve Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo

Garnishes

To elevate your Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo even more, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives. The pop of green will brighten the dish visually and add a hint of fresh earthiness that balances all the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This one pan wonder can absolutely stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve with a crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables like roasted asparagus or green beans. Something light and fresh helps complement the creamy, cheesy orzo perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets right out of the oven—everyone will adore having their own personal bubbling pot of comfort food. It also makes for a charming presentation if you’re entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before reheating to refresh the texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked dish in portion-sized containers. While it’s best fresh, freezing helps keep this creamy meal handy for busy nights. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or stove, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen up the creamy sauce if needed. Heated slowly and stirred occasionally, your Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo will taste just as wonderful as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can quickly cook diced chicken breasts or thighs in a skillet and then add them to the dish. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient shortcut, but fresh cooked chicken works great too.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if you prefer a slightly tangier and lighter version. Just be sure to use full-fat yogurt for the best creamy texture.

What can I do if I don’t have French’s crispy fried onions?

If you don’t have the fried onions on hand, crushed crispy shallots, toasted breadcrumbs, or even crumbled fried bacon can add a lovely crunchy topping.

Can I make Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps—such as using dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives—you can create a tasty dairy-free version, though the creamy texture will be slightly different.

How important is it to cover the dish with foil during baking?

Covering with foil during the first stage of baking helps the orzo cook evenly and retain moisture. Removing the foil near the end allows the top to brown and the onions to crisp beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting and satisfying about the Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo that makes it a standout in the world of easy, flavorful dinners. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with good-for-you greens, and topped with the perfect crunchy finish. Whether you’re making it for a busy family night or a laid-back weekend meal, this dish delivers on taste and simplicity every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorite go-to recipes too!

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