Monterey Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is a creamy, comforting casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and melty Monterey Jack cheese, it’s an easy meal that comes together in one dish. The crispy fried onions on top add a delicious crunch that everyone will love.

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
• 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 chicken, half of the grated cheese, and the dry orzo. Mix well to evenly distribute all the ingredients and incorporate the orzo into the liquid.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Then, spread the crispy fried onions evenly over the cheese layer.
5. Step 5: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute fresh spinach for frozen to add extra texture and color, but be sure to drain any excess moisture from frozen spinach before adding.
• Use leftover cooked chicken or substitute with cooked turkey for a different flavor.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to boost the spice level.
• For a lighter version, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If baking in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo is ideal because it cooks evenly in the casserole, but small pasta shapes like or small shells can work as substitutes. Keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly.

Monterey Chicken Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 122 reviews

Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is a creamy, comforting casserole that combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh spinach, and orzo pasta baked in a rich sauce made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and crispy fried onions, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Sauce and Base

• 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 black pepper

Main Ingredients

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

Toppings

• 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
• 1 – 6 oz can French’s crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking.
2. Mix the Sauce: In the prepared casserole dish itself, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken stock, minced garlic, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining to create a uniform sauce base.
3. Add the Main Ingredients: Stir in the torn fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach), shredded rotisserie chicken, half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese, and the dry orzo pasta. Whisk gently to evenly combine all ingredients and ensure the orzo is well incorporated into the sauce for even cooking.
4. Assemble the Topping: Spread the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top of the casserole mixture. Then, layer the French’s crispy fried onions on top of the cheese to create a crunchy, flavorful crust after baking.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture, then bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps cook the orzo and meld the flavors.
6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges, and the fried onions are crisp.

Notes

• All-purpose seasoning can be a blend of herbs like parsley, thyme, and onion powder to enhance flavor.
• Using fresh spinach offers a brighter flavor, but frozen chopped spinach works well as a convenient alternative.
• Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but cooked shredded chicken breast can be substituted.
• Ensure the casserole dish is properly greased to avoid sticking during baking.
• If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil again while baking uncovered.

Keywords: Monterey Chicken Orzo, creamy chicken casserole, one-pan dinner, baked orzo dish, rotisserie chicken recipes, spinach and cheese casserole