Description

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a flavorful and easy-to-make skillet meal combining tender chicken breasts with cheesy orzo pasta, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic spices. This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, as it cooks everything together in one pan, making cleanup effortless while delivering a balanced, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

Orzo and Vegetables

1 cup orzo pasta
1 small onion, diced
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

Liquids and Finishing

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano to infuse them with aromatic flavors.
Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear each side for about 4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for approximately 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, absorbing the leftover flavors from the chicken.
Add orzo and liquids: Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, water, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly to combine the ingredients evenly.
Simmer with chicken: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, placing them into the orzo mixture. Cover the skillet and simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover again and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish, and serve warm.

Notes

Use fresh or canned diced tomatoes according to availability; both work well.
If orzo absorbs too much liquid during cooking, add a splash more water or chicken broth to prevent sticking.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing vegetables.
This dish can be paired nicely with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.