Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo: A Simple and Flavorful Recipe for Beginners

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When I first started cooking, I was always on the lookout for recipes that were not only easy but also packed with flavor. One-pan dishes were a game-changer. They offered simplicity and a reduced cleanup effort while still delivering on taste. The Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo quickly became one of my go-to meals. With its combination of tender chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a smoky barbecue twist, this recipe is perfect for those who are just beginning their culinary journey. And with just a few basic ingredients, it’s easy to make, doesn’t take much time, and leaves you with a dish that everyone will love.

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In this article, I’ll guide you through each step of making this delicious dish. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or someone looking for a quick and comforting dinner, this recipe is for you. The best part? You’ll only need one pan to make this meal, which means less hassle and more time enjoying your food.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make the Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo. As we go through the recipe, I’ll also mention some substitutions in case you’re missing any ingredients or if you prefer to make some adjustments based on dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 slices of chicken or beef bacon (chopped) – You can also use beef or turkey bacon as a substitute for the pork bacon. Both options give a similar texture and flavor without using pork.
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce (for drizzling or mixing in)
• Chopped green onions or fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

This list of ingredients may seem long at first, but they’re all basic staples you’ll find in most kitchens. Plus, the recipe is flexible. For example, if you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, feel free to substitute it with cheddar or mozzarella. Similarly, if you prefer a different pasta shape or type, you can swap the orzo for something else like small shell pasta or even rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s break down the cooking process. Don’t worry; I’ll keep it clear and easy to follow. If you can chop and sauté, you’re well on your way to making this flavorful dish.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken or beef bacon to the pan and cook it until crispy. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes. When done, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease behind in the skillet. The bacon grease will add flavor to the chicken and orzo as they cook, but you can drain a bit of the fat if you prefer a lighter dish.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the bacon crisps up, season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. If the pan seems dry after removing the bacon, you can add a little olive oil to ensure that the chicken doesn’t stick to the pan.

Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook it over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown and be cooked through. To check if the chicken is done, cut a piece in half to make sure there’s no pink remaining inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside with the bacon.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics & Toast the Orzo

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just enough to release its fragrance.

Next, add the uncooked orzo to the pan and toast it for 1–2 minutes. Stir the orzo constantly to ensure it doesn’t burn. Toasting the orzo enhances its flavor and gives it a slightly nutty taste, which pairs wonderfully with the chicken and bacon.

Step 4: Add the Broth & Simmer

Now it’s time to add the chicken broth to the pan. Pour in the broth and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 8–10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Add Chicken, Tomatoes, and Cheese

After the orzo is tender, add the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes (drained), half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the cooked bacon to the skillet. Mix everything together, and if you like a little extra smoky flavor, you can drizzle some barbecue sauce into the pan. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Top & Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese and bacon over the top of the chicken and orzo. Cover the skillet again and remove it from the heat. Let it sit for about 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious layer.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Once the cheese has melted, garnish the dish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, comforting meal.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Cooking can seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry—this recipe is foolproof with a few simple tips to help you along the way.

• Chicken Tips: When cooking the chicken, be sure to cut it into small, even-sized pieces. This ensures that it cooks evenly and quickly. If the chicken starts to brown too quickly before cooking through, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.
• Orzo Tips: Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta, and it cooks quite quickly. Keep an eye on the liquid level while it simmers. If the liquid is absorbed before the orzo is tender, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water.
• Substitute Ingredients: If you don’t have chicken or beef bacon, you can use regular chicken breast or ground beef for an alternative. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Don’t Rush the Cheese Melting: After adding the cheese on top, let it melt without stirring. This will give you that perfect creamy texture you’re looking for, especially when served straight from the pan.

Serving Suggestions

This Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but you can easily elevate it with a few side dishes:

• Salad: A light, fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette makes an excellent side. It adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and orzo.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots would pair perfectly with this dish. Their natural sweetness complements the smoky and savory flavors in the orzo.
• Garlic Bread: For a bit of extra comfort, serve this dish with a slice of crispy garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky bread works wonderfully with the cheesy orzo.

For leftovers, store any extra Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the orzo if it thickens.

Engagement Features

Now that you have the recipe in your hands, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a quick, delicious, and beginner-friendly dish that is sure to impress. Cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating, and with this recipe, you’ll see how simple and fun it can be to create something flavorful.

Have you tried this recipe or made any adjustments to suit your tastes? Share your experience in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you made it your own. And if you’re a fan of one-pan meals, be sure to check out some other simple recipes for beginners. Happy cooking!