Name: Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 slices turkey bacon or beef bacon, chopped; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup barbecue sauce; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish); ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); ½ cup baby spinach stirred in at the end; A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

Description

Cheesy, hearty, and packed with bold, savory flavors, this Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a simple yet stunning meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, smoky bacon, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and creamy orzo all come together in one skillet for a comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor—and even better, minimal cleanup!

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Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 slices turkey bacon or beef bacon, chopped
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup barbecue sauce
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
½ cup baby spinach stirred in at the end
A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped turkey or beef bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a little grease in the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add olive oil to the same skillet if needed.
Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sauté over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to loosen any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add Chicken, Bacon, and Barbecue Sauce
Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet.
Stir in the barbecue sauce and cherry tomatoes.
Cook for 2–3 minutes to heat everything through.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Garnish
Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Garnish with sliced green onions and parsley.

Step 7: Serve
Serve hot straight from the skillet with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Notes

Toast the Orzo – Adds a nutty flavor that makes the dish even better.
Use Good Quality Cheese – Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds a rich creaminess.
Don’t Overcook – Stir the orzo often and remove from heat once tender.
Customize – Add veggies or switch up the barbecue sauce flavor to change things up.
Garnish Generously – Green onions and parsley add color and freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food