Looking for a quick and comforting meal that checks all the boxes? Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is your new weeknight hero. This dish blends tender chicken with creamy, perfectly cooked orzo and a medley of vibrant flavors—all in a single skillet. It’s simple to whip up, packed with savory goodness, and ideal for busy evenings when you want delicious food without the fuss. Once you try Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo, dinner will never feel like a chore again!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Clean-Up: Combining everything in one pan means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner.
- Comforting and Filling: Creamy orzo with juicy chicken makes for a satisfying, hearty meal perfect for any season.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 40 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Customizable Flavors: Easy to adapt with your favorite herbs, vegetables, and cheeses for endless variations.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich orzo, balancing indulgence and health.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, keeping the dish simple but irresistibly tasty.
- Boneless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that cooks evenly in one pan.
- Orzo pasta: Adds a creamy, rice-like texture that soaks up all the savory juices.
- Chicken broth: Essential for cooking the orzo and infusing rich flavor throughout the dish.
- Garlic and onion: Aromatics that give a warm, inviting base to the recipe.
- Bell peppers or cherry tomatoes: Bring bright color and fresh sweetness for a balanced bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end to add a savory depth and creamy finish.
- Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and sauté vegetables, enhancing flavor with healthy fats.
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil): Add a fresh, green pop for flavor and presentation.
Variations for Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tweak it based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary preferences.
- Swap the chicken: Try turkey breast or even tofu to make it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing protein.
- Add greens: Toss in spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrients and color.
- Use different cheeses: Feta or goat cheese can bring a tangy twist to the creamy orzo base.
- Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Make it dairy-free: Simply skip the cheese and use a dairy-free broth for a creamy, plant-based meal.
How to Make Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown but not fully cooked through—this locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Remove the chicken temporarily and reduce the heat slightly. In the same pan, add garlic, onion, and your choice of diced vegetables. Cook until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken for extra flavor.
Step 3: Add Orzo and Broth
Pour in the orzo pasta, stirring it around to toast slightly. Then, add chicken broth and give everything a good stir, ensuring the pasta is submerged. Return the chicken breasts on top, cover, and let it simmer gently until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Once done, remove the chicken, shred or slice it, and stir the cheese and fresh herbs into the orzo mixture. Return the chicken to the pan to warm through and combine all the flavors before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
- Use room temperature chicken: This prevents the chicken from drying out and ensures even cooking.
- Don’t skip toasting the orzo: It adds a deeper, nuttier flavor to the final dish.
- Cover the pan while simmering: Helps the orzo cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.
- Use low-sodium broth: Gives you control over the saltiness and keeps flavors balanced.
- Let it rest briefly: After cooking, letting the dish sit for a few minutes helps thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
Garnishes
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil and a dusting of extra Parmesan for added brightness and cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
This meal stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add a crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo in shallow bowls topped with lemon zest or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a restaurant-worthy presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
This dish freezes well; place leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore creamy texture, or microwave in short bursts stirring in between to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of orzo?
Yes, but cooking times and liquid amounts will change; brown rice and quinoa require longer cooking and more water, so adjust accordingly.
Is Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Its balanced mix of protein and carbs makes it a perfect make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or riced cauliflower to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
What can I substitute if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt and seasoning, though broth enhances the flavor best.
Final Thoughts
Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a versatile, tasty, and stress-free dinner that deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. It blends simple ingredients with bright flavors and convenient cooking into a dish everyone will love. Give it a try tonight—you might just find your new favorite easy dinner that feels homemade and special every single time.
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Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten (can be made gluten-free), High Protein
Description
Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a quick, comforting, and flavorful weeknight meal combining tender chicken breasts with creamy orzo, cooked in a single skillet with fresh vegetables, aromatic garlic and onions, and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy evenings, this one-pan dish offers a wholesome, satisfying dinner with minimal clean-up and customizable ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, diced
Dairy
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oils and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or hot sauce for spice
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Season boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown but not fully cooked through, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Remove the chicken temporarily and reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, onion, and chosen diced vegetables to the same pan. Cook until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken to enhance flavor.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir the orzo into the pan, toasting it slightly. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to ensure the orzo is submerged. Return the chicken breasts on top, cover the skillet, and simmer gently until the orzo is tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove the chicken from the pan, shred or slice it, then stir Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs into the orzo mixture. Return the chicken to the pan to warm through and combine all flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to prevent drying out and ensure even cooking.
- Toast the orzo before adding broth to develop a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Cover the pan while simmering to cook the orzo evenly and maintain moisture.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels and keep flavors balanced.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg