Go Back
–+ servings
Monterey Chicken with Orzo: One-Pan Delight

Monterey Chicken with Orzo: One-Pan Delight

All the Monterey chicken flavors—smoky bacon, tangy BBQ, and melty Monterey Jack—tucked into creamy orzo. A hearty, weeknight-friendly one-pan dinner with big payoff and minimal cleanup.
Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.25 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts patted dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.75 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 6 oz thick-cut bacon chopped
  • 1 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1.25 cup orzo pasta (dry)
  • 3.25 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1.25 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 0.5 cup green onions, thinly sliced for topping
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped optional garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Crisp the bacon in a large deep skillet over medium heat until golden. Transfer to a plate; leave drippings.
  • Season chicken with 1 tsp salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add olive oil to the skillet.
  • Sear chicken over medium-high heat until browned on both sides, 3–4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
  • Lower heat to medium. Soften onion in the pan, 3 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  • Toast the orzo in the aromatics for 1 minute, stirring to coat.
  • Pour in chicken broth and BBQ sauce. Scrape up browned bits and bring to a lively simmer.
  • Nestle chicken back into the pan. Cover and cook 8 minutes, then stir in tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
  • Continue simmering, uncovered, until orzo is tender and chicken hits 165°F, 4–6 minutes. Stir in remaining 1/4 tsp salt.
  • Off heat, swirl in butter. Sprinkle cheese over chicken and orzo. Cover to melt, 2 minutes.
  • Top with crumbled bacon, green onions, and parsley. Rest 2 minutes, then serve hot.

Notes

Variation: Swap in pepper jack for extra heat or use chipotle BBQ sauce for a smoky kick. To lighten, use turkey bacon and half the cheese. Leftovers keep 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth to loosen the orzo.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Monterey Chicken with Orzo: One-Pan Delight flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.