Description
Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts cooked with orzo pasta, bell peppers, tomatoes, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This easy, one-pan meal combines tender chicken and creamy orzo with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, making it perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta & Grains
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, ensuring to coat all sides for maximum flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add orzo and liquids: Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, water, and diced tomatoes. Mix everything well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Return chicken to skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the orzo mixture, ensuring they are partly submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add cheese & melt: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the orzo and chicken. Cover again and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become gooey.
- Garnish & serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve the dish warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the dish suitable for vegetarians if omitting chicken.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
- If fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned diced tomatoes work perfectly well.
- Ensure the skillet is covered tightly while simmering to cook the orzo evenly and keep the chicken moist.
