One pan, endless flavors: Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a quick, savory dinner featuring tender chicken cooked alongside delicate orzo pasta and a hint of spice that will awaken your taste buds. This dish combines bold ingredients into a harmonious, colorful meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare on a busy weeknight or whenever you want a comforting yet exciting dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Everything cooks in one pan, minimizing cleanup and making it perfect for busy nights.
Bold, Vibrant Flavors: The combination of smoky spices, juicy chicken, and subtly creamy orzo creates a dish packed with depth.
Balanced Nutrition: Protein, carbs, and veggies come together naturally for a wholesome and fulfilling meal.
Time-Saving: This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, ideal when you want a delicious dinner fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo comes from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role in flavor and texture. From tender chicken breasts to the slightly nutty orzo pasta, and spices that bring warmth and sparkle to the dish, every element contributes to that unforgettable meal.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless and skinless pieces for even cooking and tender bites.
Orzo pasta: Adds a rice-like texture that soaks up juices perfectly without overwhelming the dish.
Chicken broth: Provides a savory base that infuses the orzo and chicken with deep flavor.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds acidity and a gentle kick of spice that uplifts every bite.
Garlic and onion: Classic aromatics that build a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Smoked paprika and cumin: These spices give a smoky warmth and subtle earthiness reminiscent of Monterey’s bold flavors.
Olive oil: Used to achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken and to meld all the flavors together.
Fresh cilantro or parsley: For a bright pop of color and freshness when serving.

Variations

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs without losing its signature flavor. Feel free to switch ingredients or add your favorites for a personalized spin.

Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to ramp up the heat.
Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for hearty mushrooms or roasted chickpeas to keep it plant-based.
Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese toward the end for creamy indulgence.
Green vegetables: Toss in fresh spinach or chopped bell peppers for added color and nutrients.
Low-carb variation: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Dinner Full of Bold Flavors

How to Make Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then season the chicken breasts with salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. This releases their flavors into the oil and creates the perfect base layer for your dish.

Step 3: Add Orzo and Tomatoes

Stir in the orzo pasta, allowing it to toast briefly with the aromatics. Then pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies along with the chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Together

Nestle the chicken back into the pan atop the orzo mixture, cover, and let everything cook until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through, about 15 minutes. The chicken broth will reduce and infuse the orzo with rich flavor.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once cooked, remove the lid and fluff the orzo with a fork. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top for freshness and vibrant color before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo

Even chicken thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
Toast the orzo: Briefly toasting the orzo in the pan before adding liquids enhances its nutty flavor.
Don’t rush the simmer: Allow enough time for the orzo to fully absorb the broth for maximum flavor.
Use low-sodium broth: This gives you control over the saltiness of the final dish.
Rest the chicken: Letting cooked chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender.

How to Serve Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo

Garnishes

Add freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh, herbaceous touch. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the dish, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese can add creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal with crunchy and fresh textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo in rustic bowls topped with avocado slices or pickled jalapeños for a fun and colorful presentation that will wow family or guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo tends to absorb more liquid, so it may thicken; add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding fresh herbs and reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a bit of broth or water to loosen the orzo, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Microwave reheating works well too but stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or another pasta instead of orzo?

Yes! Brown rice or other small pasta shapes like couscous or quinoa can work, but cooking times may vary and may require more liquid.

Is Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo spicy?

The recipe has a mild warmth from green chilies and smoked paprika, but you can easily adjust spice levels to taste by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prep ingredients ahead, but for the best texture, cook the dish fresh. Leftovers reheat well and make great next-day meals.

What’s the best way to make the chicken tender?

Even cooking at medium-high heat and not overcooking the chicken ensures it stays juicy. Resting the chicken before slicing also helps retain moisture.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to keep it gluten-free without losing the essence of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a vibrant, satisfying dinner that brings bold flavor and effortless cooking together in one delightful plate. Whether you’re new to cooking or craving a comforting, flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. Grab your skillet and enjoy the delicious simplicity of this one-pan wonder tonight!

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-free option available

Print Recipe

Description

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a quick and savory dinner featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked alongside delicate orzo pasta with smoky spices, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and fresh aromatics. This one-pan meal offers bold, vibrant flavors with balanced nutrition and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a comforting yet exciting dinner.

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and pepper. Add them to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics – In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, releasing their flavors into the oil to create a flavorful base for the dish.
Step 3: Add Orzo and Tomatoes – Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it briefly with the aromatics. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook Together – Nestle the chicken back into the pan atop the orzo mixture. Cover and let everything cook together for about 15 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. The broth will reduce and infuse the orzo with rich flavor.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish – Remove the lid, fluff the orzo with a fork, and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top before serving for freshness and color.