Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is a creamy, comforting casserole perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, it’s an easy dish that comes together in one pan with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken with herbs
• 16 oz container 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, shredded
• 1 (6 oz) can French’s crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In the casserole dish, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Add the minced garlic, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk together until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
3. Step 3: Stir in the spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese, and the dry orzo. Mix well to evenly combine and distribute all ingredients in the liquid.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Then layer on the crispy fried onions.
5. Step 5: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• If fresh spinach isn’t available, use frozen chopped spinach—make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding.
• Substitute shredded cooked chicken with turkey or cooked sausage for a different flavor.
• Use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses if Monterey Jack isn’t preferred.
• For added flavor, sprinkle a little smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the mixture before baking.
• Make sure the orzo is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until hot. The crispy onions may lose some crunch after storing but can be refreshed under a broiler for a minute.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, gluten-free chicken stock, and substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative like rice or quinoa pasta. Check the crispy fried onions packaging for gluten content or omit them.

Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is a comforting and creamy casserole combining tender rotisserie chicken, fresh spinach, and cheesy Monterey Jack flavors baked to golden perfection with a crispy fried onion topping. This easy-to-make dish comes together in a single pan, making it perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or family meal.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base and Cream Sauce

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken with herbs
• 16 oz container sour cream
• 2.5 cups chicken stock
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, torn (or 1 – 10 oz box frozen chopped spinach, thawed)
• 16 oz dry orzo pasta
• 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded

Topping

• 1 (6 oz) can French’s crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking dish and preheat oven: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish using nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and browning.
2. Mix the cream sauce base: In the casserole dish itself, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Add minced garlic, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps to ensure an even sauce throughout the dish.
3. Add spinach, chicken, cheese, and orzo: Stir in the torn fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach), shredded rotisserie chicken, half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese, and all of the dry orzo pasta. Whisk well to evenly combine all ingredients and fully incorporate the orzo into the creamy liquid, making sure everything is distributed uniformly in the casserole dish.
4. Top with remaining cheese and fried onions: Sprinkle the remaining half of the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the casserole. Carefully spread an even layer of French’s crispy fried onions on top to add a crunchy, golden crust when baked.
5. Bake the casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this initial baking, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly, indicating the orzo is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Notes

• All-purpose seasoning typically includes a blend of dried herbs and spices; you can substitute with your favorite herb mix if needed.
• If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Rotisserie chicken adds convenient pre-cooked flavor but you can use cooked chicken breast or thighs shredded as well.
• The crispy fried onions add a delicious crunchy texture; feel free to add more or less according to preference.
• For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.

Keywords: Monterey Chicken, One-Pan Meal, Orzo Casserole, Creamy Chicken Bake, Rotisserie Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner Casserole