Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a dream come true for busy weeknights. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s packed with flavor and takes minimal effort to prepare. The combination of creamy chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock creates a rich base for the orzo, while the Monterey Jack cheese adds a melty, gooey texture that everyone will love. The addition of crispy fried onions on top gives a satisfying crunch, elevating the dish to a new level of deliciousness. Plus, it’s easily customizable with different ingredients and can be made with pantry staples.

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)

• 1/2 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

2. In the greased casserole dish, combine the cream of chicken, sour cream, and chicken stock. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and all-purpose seasoning. Whisk until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.

3. Stir in the spinach, rotisserie chicken, half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese, and the dry orzo. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients in the liquid.

4. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

5. Add a layer of crispy fried onions on top of the cheese.

6. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Swap the Protein: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use any cooked chicken breast or thighs, or even turkey for a different twist.

• Cheese Options: Try swapping the Monterey Jack for mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

• Add Spices: If you like things spicy, a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce for a kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with 1 (10 oz) box of frozen chopped spinach. Make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, while orzo works best in this recipe, you can substitute it with another small pasta like farfalle, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just remove the foil and bake as directed.

4. Can I freeze the Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Once it’s fully cooked, let it cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.

5. Can I use cream of mushroom instead of cream of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken if you prefer or need a vegetarian option.

6. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

7. Is it necessary to use French’s crispy fried onions?

The crispy fried onions add a great crunch, but they are optional. You can omit them or replace them with crushed breadcrumbs if you prefer a different texture.

8. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can easily spice things up by adding cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the sauce mixture or on top before baking.

9. What can I serve this dish with?

This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cheese. Additionally, ensure the cream of chicken soup is dairy-free or use a non-dairy version.

Conclusion

The Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is the ultimate dinner solution for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and easy. With its creamy texture, savory chicken, and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to please the whole family. The best part? It’s a one-pan recipe that requires minimal clean-up. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own twist, this is a meal that’s both versatile and comforting. Give it a try, and enjoy a stress-free, delicious dinner tonight!