Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
If you’re seeking a comforting and satisfying meal that comes together in a snap, look no further than Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo. This delightful dish combines tender rotisserie chicken, creamy sauces, and fluffy orzo, all baked to perfection in one convenient pan. It’s a family-friendly recipe that not only pleases the palate but also simplifies cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
A Personal Story Behind My Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Journey
I first encountered this dish at a family gathering, where it quickly became a crowd favorite. The cheesy goodness and delightful crunch from the crispy fried onions reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking—always warm, welcoming, and full of flavor. Over the years, I’ve made a few tweaks to the original recipe, and now it has a special place in my heart and on my dinner table.
What Makes This Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe Special?
What sets this Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo apart is its incredible blend of flavors and textures. The creamy mixture of sour cream and cream of chicken creates a luscious base, while the orzo adds a wonderful chewy element. The fresh spinach not only boosts the nutritional value but also provides a vibrant pop of color. Topping it off with Monterey Jack cheese and crispy fried onions gives it that irresistible finishing touch. Plus, it’s all cooked in one pan, ensuring an easy cooking and cleanup process.
The Full Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken with herbs
- 16 oz sour cream
- 2.5 cups chicken stock
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, torn (or 1 box – 10 oz – frozen chopped spinach, thawed)
- 16 oz dry orzo
- 3 cups freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 can (6 oz) French’s crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- In the greased casserole dish, combine the cream of chicken, sour cream, and chicken stock. Add the minced garlic, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Add the torn spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, and half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese into the dish. Incorporate the dry orzo and mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top of the mixture. Finish by adding a layer of crispy fried onions for that delightful crunch.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit your preferences. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. If you want to add more veggies, consider incorporating bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms into the mix. For added flavor, try using a different cheese like cheddar or pepper jack. This dish also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap Monterey Jack for your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with more vegetables like artichokes or chickpeas, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian version.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 450
- Servings: 8
Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
Equipment
- 9x13 casserole dish For baking the dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can cream of chicken with herbs 10.5 oz can
- 16 oz sour cream
- 2.5 cups chicken stock
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves torn
- 16 oz dry orzo
- 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
- 1 can crispy fried onions 6 oz can
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- In the greased casserole dish, combine the cream of chicken, sour cream, and chicken stock. Add the minced garlic, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Add the torn spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, and half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese into the dish. Incorporate the dry orzo and mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top of the mixture. Finish by adding a layer of crispy fried onions for that delightful crunch.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.