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.