Why Make This Recipe
Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is a delightful and easy dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. With a creamy sauce, tender rotisserie chicken, and fresh spinach, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s an all-in-one meal, meaning less clean-up, and the combination of flavors is sure to please everyone.
How to Make Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
Ingredients:
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken with herbs
- 16 oz container of sour cream
- 2.5 cups chicken stock
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning (*see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon 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
- 1-6 oz can of French’s crispy fried onions
Directions:
- Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- In the casserole dish, add the cream of chicken, sour cream, and chicken stock.
- Add seasonings and minced garlic. Whisk until everything is smooth and creamy, making sure no lumps remain.
- Stir in the spinach, chicken, half of the cheese, and orzo. Mix well to combine all the ingredients into the liquid.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, followed by an even layer of crispy fried onions.
- 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.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
Serve this dish hot right from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Store Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
Allow leftovers to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer the remaining orzo into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo
- For a little extra flavor, try using different rotisserie chicken seasonings.
- If you want to add more veggies, consider adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to chop them finely.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder.
Variation
You can easily swap Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar cheese or a blend of your favorites. Additionally, if you want to make it a vegetarian dish, omit the rotisserie chicken and add more veggies to keep it hearty.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh or frozen spinach?
Yes! You can use either fresh spinach or frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed. Both work great in this recipe.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains orzo, which is typically made from wheat. However, you can find gluten-free orzo alternatives made from rice or other grains. Make sure to check the packaging for gluten-free labels.
