Monterey Chicken Orzo is a simple and tasty dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy melted cheese, and small, tender orzo pasta. It’s like comfort food with a little twist, combining the mild flavors of chicken with the gooey goodness of Monterey Jack cheese. The orzo soaks up all the flavors, making each bite warm and satisfying.
I love making this dish on busy weeknights because it comes together fast and feels like a special meal without much fuss. One of my favorite things about it is how the cheese melts perfectly over the chicken, giving it a nice, rich texture. Whenever I make this, the whole family ends up asking for seconds, which always makes me happy!
My go-to way to serve Monterey Chicken Orzo is with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh green salad to keep it light and balanced. It’s a great meal to bring to a potluck or to share with friends because it’s easy to eat and has familiar flavors everyone enjoys. I’m pretty sure you’ll find yourself making this dish again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: These give you tender, juicy meat that pairs perfectly with cheese. If you prefer, thighs work well too for a richer flavor.
Orzo pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up flavors beautifully. You can swap it with couscous or small pasta like acini di pepe if needed.
Sun-dried tomatoes: They add a nice tang and depth. If unavailable, roasted red peppers are a great substitute and add a subtle sweetness.
Monterey Jack cheese: It melts smoothly and adds creamy texture. Mozzarella or mild cheddar can also work if you want a different taste.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Feel free to use kale or Swiss chard, but cook those a bit longer as they’re tougher.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Browned and Juicy?
Getting a nice crust on your chicken brings out big flavor! Here’s how I do it:
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels to help it brown better.
- Season it well on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat your skillet and olive oil until hot before adding chicken – listen for a sizzle!
- Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes on each side. Resist the urge to move it around early.
- Once both sides are browned and it’s cooked through, remove the chicken to rest while you finish the orzo.
This method locks in juices and gives you a lovely crust that’s full of flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I prefer a heavy-bottomed one to evenly cook the chicken and orzo without burning.
- Meat thermometer – helps ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked (165°F/74°C).
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Stirring spoon or spatula – for mixing everything smoothly.
- Knife and chopping board – for chopping onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or turkey for a different protein twist.
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta for extra richness and smoky flavor.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for more veggies and texture.
- Use pepper jack or queso fresco instead of Monterey Jack for a spicier or crumblier finish.
Monterey Chicken Orzo Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes (or roasted red peppers)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 25 minutes to cook. So, you can have a delicious, creamy chicken dinner ready in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Cook the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are soft and smell wonderful.
3. Toast and Cook the Orzo:
Add the orzo to the skillet and stir it with the onions and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook, stirring now and then, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Add Tomatoes and Spinach:
Stir in the diced sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers, and add the fresh spinach leaves. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and soft.
5. Melt Cheese and Combine:
Lower the heat to low and stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Keep stirring until it melts into a creamy mix that coats the orzo beautifully.
6. Finish and Serve:
Place the cooked chicken breasts back on top of the cheesy orzo in the skillet. Cover and let everything heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve warm, and add fresh basil leaves on top if you like for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your Monterey Chicken Orzo — a simple, comforting, and cheesy meal that’s ready in no time!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.
Can I Prepare Monterey Chicken Orzo Ahead of Time?
You can cook the orzo and chicken separately ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo creamy.
What Can I Substitute for Monterey Jack Cheese?
Mozzarella, mild cheddar, or Colby cheese all work well if you don’t have Monterey Jack. They’ll melt nicely and keep the dish creamy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a little broth to freshen up the texture.