Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is a delightful dish that hits the sweet spot between comfort food and convenience. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I was searching for something hearty yet easy to prepare—a dish that my family would love without hours spent in the kitchen. The fusion of creamy sauces, tender rotisserie chicken, and cheesy goodness enveloped in orzo makes this casserole-style meal an instant crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy family gatherings, or anytime you’re in the mood for a satisfying meal.

Reasons to try it

Not only is this Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo quick and affordable, but it’s also a dish that pleases both kids and adults alike. You’ll find that this recipe is not just easy to make; it transforms everyday ingredients into something special. Imagine savoring each comforting bite of creamy orzo topped with a golden layer of crispy fried onions—a treat for the senses!

"This dish has quickly become a family favorite! It’s creamy, cheesy, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. Perfect for busy nights."

Preparing Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo

Making this one-pan meal is a breeze. The process is simple and straightforward, allowing you to combine everything into a casserole dish and let the oven work its magic. Here’s how it unfolds:

Gather Your Ingredients: This dish requires just a handful of essential ingredients, which come together beautifully.
Mix and Whisk: Combine creamy bases with seasonings to create a luxurious sauce.
Add the Good Stuff: Finally, mix in the chicken, spinach, and orzo before layering on cheesy goodness and crispy onions for the perfect crunch.
Bake: Cover with foil, bake, and then uncover for a few more minutes to achieve that irresistible golden-brown topping.

What you’ll need

To recreate this delightful dish, ensure you have the following ingredients handy:

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)
½ tsp salt
1 tsp 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 (shredded)
1 (6 oz) can French’s crispy fried onions

Note: Feel free to substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or a blend if you’d prefer a different flavor profile!

Step-by-step instructions

Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the casserole dish, combine the cream of chicken, sour cream, and chicken stock, stirring until smooth with no lumps.
Mix in the minced garlic, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution.
Gently fold in the fresh spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, half of the grated cheese, and the dry orzo. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
Top the mixture with the remaining cheese and an even scattering of crispy fried onions.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving this Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo can be as simple or creative as you wish. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. You might even enjoy it with a side of roasted vegetables for an added crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it in individual ramekins for a fun and rustic presentation!

Keeping leftovers fresh

To ensure your delicious leftovers last, let the Monterey Chicken Orzo cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Make sure to label your containers with the date for easy tracking.

Pro chef tips

When using fresh spinach, be sure to tear the leaves rather than chopping them, as this will maintain their texture better.
If you’re running short on time, pre-cooked chickens or rotisserie chicken can be a lifesaver.
Try sprinkling some paprika over the top before baking for an extra kick of flavor and color!

Creative twists

Feel like shaking things up? You could easily customize this dish with different cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of heat or even feta for a tangy twist. Adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers would elevate the flavor and texture while also boosting your vegetable intake.

Your questions answered

What is the prep time for this recipe?
The total prep time is about 10-15 minutes, followed by baking time.
Can I substitute the orzo with another grain?
Absolutely! You can use rice or quinoa in a pinch, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, kids usually love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor, making it a great family meal option.

Now that you’re armed with this delightful recipe and helpful tips, why not give Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo a try? Your family will thank you!

Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo

A delightful and comforting one-pan casserole featuring creamy orzo, rotisserie chicken, and a golden layer of crispy fried onions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 8 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken with herbs
16 oz sour cream
2.5 cups chicken stock
5 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp all-purpose seasoning See notes
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly cracked pepper

Main Ingredients

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) Can substitute with cheddar or a blend for different flavor.
2 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
1 can (6 oz) French's crispy fried onions

Instructions

Preparation

Grease a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In the casserole dish, combine the cream of chicken, sour cream, and chicken stock, stirring until smooth with no lumps.
Mix in the minced garlic, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution.
Gently fold in the fresh spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, half of the grated cheese, and the dry orzo until well incorporated.
Top the mixture with the remaining cheese and an even scattering of crispy fried onions.

Baking

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Notes

This dish is best served with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. Tear fresh spinach instead of chopping to maintain texture. Substitute orzo with rice or quinoa if preferred.

Keyword Casserole, Family Dinner, Monterey Chicken, One-Pan Meal, Orzo