If you’re in the mood for a cozy, comforting dish that’s easy to make but bursting with flavor, then this Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is the recipe you didn’t know you were craving. Packed with creamy chicken, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and tender orzo, it’s a complete meal that only requires one pan—yes, one pan! Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is going to be a hit. Trust me, you’re going to love it.
Why You’ll Love Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
This recipe is the epitome of comfort food! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The orzo soaks up all that delicious sauce, creating a rich and hearty dish that’s both filling and satisfying. Plus, the crispy fried onions on top add the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy base. It’s everything you want in a meal—without the hassle of tons of dishes.
Is this Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo for you? Let’s see:
- Creamy Goodness – The combination of cream of chicken, sour cream, and cheese creates a dreamy, velvety sauce.
- Hearty & Filling – With rotisserie chicken and orzo, this dish is substantial and satisfying.
- One-Pan Wonder – Minimal clean-up means you get to spend more time enjoying the food (and less on dishes!).
- Crispy Topping – The crispy fried onions take this dish to the next level with the perfect crunch.
- Customizable – Swap in frozen spinach or fresh spinach depending on what you have on hand!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create this delicious one-pan wonder:
- Cream of Chicken with Herbs: This canned soup is the base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and flavor.
- Sour Cream: For that extra layer of creaminess and a slight tang.
- Chicken Stock: Adds depth and helps cook the orzo to perfection.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant, savory kick to the dish.
- All-Purpose Seasoning: This is a great all-in-one seasoning to enhance the flavors. (See notes for a homemade version!)
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to round out the flavor.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You can swap in frozen spinach if you prefer.
- Dry Orzo: A small pasta that works wonderfully in creamy dishes like this.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Freshly grated for melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A time-saver that adds great flavor and texture.
- French’s Crispy Fried Onions: These bring a wonderful crunch and flavor boost to finish off the dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to make this incredibly comforting dish:
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic In a large skillet or pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. This releases all the wonderful garlic flavor into the dish.
Step 2: Make the Sauce Stir in the cream of chicken with herbs, sour cream, and chicken stock. Add the all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir everything together. Bring it to a simmer, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Add Spinach & Orzo Add the spinach (either fresh torn leaves or thawed frozen spinach) to the pan and stir until it wilts down into the sauce. Then, add the dry orzo to the pan and mix well. Let everything simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked and the sauce has thickened up.
Step 4: Add Chicken & Cheese Stir in the rotisserie chicken and Monterey Jack cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted into the sauce, making it creamy and luscious.
Step 5: Top with Fried Onions Once the dish is hot and bubbly, sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top for that perfect crunch.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy Dish up a generous serving, sprinkle with a little more cheese or parsley if you like, and enjoy the creamy goodness of this comforting meal!
How to Serve Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Pair with a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy orzo.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich, cheesy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots or broccoli make a beautiful and nutritious side to this dish.
- Extra Cheese: A little extra Monterey Jack or Parmesan on top adds even more flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts perfectly and adds a pop of green, but frozen spinach works too if that’s what you have on hand.
- Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more Monterey Jack or even some sharp cheddar for an extra cheesy finish.
- Substitute with Chicken Breast: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, cook and shred some chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your garlic and spinach in advance to save time when you’re ready to cook.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Tips & Variations/Quick Tips
- Try Different Cheese: You can swap Monterey Jack for mozzarella or cheddar, depending on your preferences.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, like mushrooms or bell peppers, to make a delicious vegetarian meal.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use other types of cheese?
A1: Yes, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even a combination of cheeses. Just be sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best melt!
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make this ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the orzo.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to keep it creamy.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Just be sure to use a larger pan or split it between two pans to ensure the orzo cooks evenly.
This Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is guaranteed to be a hit. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s everything you want in a comforting meal—and then some. Enjoy!
Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken with herbs
- 16 oz container sour cream
- 2.5 cups chicken stock
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning see notes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves torn (or 1 (10 oz) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed)
- 16 oz dry orzo
- 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken
- 1 6 oz can French’s crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- In the casserole dish, combine the cream of chicken, sour cream, and chicken stock. Add seasonings and garlic, whisking until smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
- Add the spinach, chicken, half of the cheese, and orzo to the dish. Whisk to combine evenly and ensure all ingredients are mixed well into the liquid.
- Top with the remaining cheese and then layer with crispy fried onions.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
