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Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo

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Course: Main Course
Kitchen: American, Tex-Mex Inspired
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 slices of bacon chopped
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 cup 0.5 lbs of orzo pasta (uncooked)
  • 2 cups 1 lb of chicken broth
  • ½ cup 0.25 lbs of canned diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 cup 0.5 lbs of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ¼ cup 0.12 lbs of barbecue sauce (for drizzling or mixing in)
  • Chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Cook the Bacon:
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
  • Cook the Chicken:
  • Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Add olive oil to the pan if needed, then cook chicken over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes).
  • Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics & Toast Orzo:
  • In the same skillet, add the onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
  • Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add Broth & Simmer:
  • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  • Cover and cook on medium-low for 8–10 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Add Chicken & Cheese:
  • Stir in cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the cooked bacon.
  • Mix in barbecue sauce if desired for extra smoky-sweet flavor.
  • Top & Melt:
  • Sprinkle the rest of the cheese and bacon on top.
  • Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes off the heat until the cheese melts.
  • Garnish & Serve:
  • Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
  • Serve hot, straight from the skillet!