Description
Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo: the ultimate dump-and-bake weeknight dinner with juicy chicken, tender orzo, smoky paprika, and melty Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese all in one dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add chicken, uncooked orzo, chicken broth, marinara sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the dish.
- Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Sprinkle diced bell peppers over the top.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil and stir gently.
- Sprinkle Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 8–10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make-ahead option: assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking, then bake as directed.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for more color and nutrition.
- Cheese substitutions: mozzarella or pepper jack can be used in place of or in addition to Monterey Jack and cheddar for different melt and flavor.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for 3–4 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
Keywords: Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo, Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo, dump-and-bake, cheesy casserole, one-pan dinner, weeknight dinner, orzo chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, smoky paprika