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.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta & Grains

1 cup orzo pasta

Liquids & Broth

2 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)

Vegetables & Aromatics

1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (canned)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Oils & Fats

2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
Toast the orzo briefly before adding liquids to enhance its nutty flavor.
Allow sufficient simmer time so the orzo fully absorbs the broth.
Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Monterey chicken, one pan dinner, orzo recipe, quick chicken dinner, one pot meal, smoky chicken, easy weeknight meal