Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the rich aroma of garlic wafted through the air, instantly bringing me back to cherished family dinners. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Casserole! This comforting dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken and creamy orzo, all in one simple pot. In just about an hour, you can whip up this comforting meal that’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also completely customizable—add your favorite veggies or spice it up with pepper jack cheese! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to bring smiles around the table. Ready to discover how easy and delicious this dish can be? Let’s dive in! Why is this recipe a must-try? Simplicity, the one-pan method means less cleanup and hassle, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Deliciously Customizable, you can easily tweak ingredients to suit your family’s taste, whether by swapping veggies or using a different cheese. Comforting Flavor, the creamy orzo combined with tender chicken and savory garlic will remind you of home-cooked meals that warm the heart. Crowd-Pleaser, serve this at gatherings and watch how quickly it disappears! Plus, if you’re looking for more quick meal inspirations, check out my One Pan Chicken or Honey Butter Chicken recipes for other delightful options. Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Ingredients For the Casserole Base Cream of Chicken with Herbs (10.5 oz can) – Provides a rich, flavorful base for creaminess; can be substituted with homemade cream of chicken for a fresher taste. Sour Cream (16 oz) – Adds tanginess and creaminess; Greek yogurt makes a great dairy-free substitute. Chicken Stock (2.5 cups) – Enhances flavor depth; opt for low-sodium for better control over saltiness. Garlic (5 cloves, minced) – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor; always choose fresh garlic for the best results. All-Purpose Seasoning (1 teaspoon) – A versatile seasoning that enhances flavors; Italian seasoning can be used for a different twist. Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Adjusts overall seasoning; be mindful of the saltiness from the stock used. Freshly Cracked Pepper (1 teaspoon) – Adds a hint of heat to balance the creaminess of the casserole. For the Vegetables & Pasta Fresh Spinach Leaves (3 cups, torn) – Offers a nutritious boost and vibrant color; kale can be a tasty alternative. Dry Orzo (16 oz) – This pasta absorbs flavors beautifully; substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free option. For the Protein & Toppings Monterey Jack Cheese (3 cups, freshly grated) – Provides a melty, gooey texture; for a spicy kick, try pepper jack cheese instead. Rotisserie Chicken (2 cups) – Great for saving preparation time while being protein-rich; consider sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative. French’s Crispy Fried Onions (6 oz can) – Offers a delightful crunch to the topping; substitute with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter option. This Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Casserole will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, allowing you to create a balanced meal with minimal fuss! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delicious Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Casserole Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking. This will ensure that your Delicious Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Casserole comes out perfectly without any mess. Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients In the greased casserole dish, combine one can of cream of chicken with herbs, 16 oz of sour cream, and 2.5 cups of chicken stock. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of all-purpose seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture, creating a flavorful base for your casserole. Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables and Protein Next, add 3 cups of torn fresh spinach leaves to the creamy mixture, followed by 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken and 16 oz of dry orzo. Gently fold these ingredients into the mixture until everything is well-combined, ensuring the orzo is evenly distributed and coated with that delicious sauce. Step 4: Add Cheese and Final Touches Sprinkle half of the 3 cups of freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese into the casserole, mixing gently to incorporate. After this, top your mixture with the remaining cheese, creating a gooey layer. Finally, evenly distribute 6 oz of French’s crispy fried onions over the top to add a crunchy finishing touch to your Delicious Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Casserole. Step 5: Bake Covered Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the orzo to cook through. The steaming process while covered will create a deliciously creamy texture and ensure even cooking. Step 6: Uncover and Browning After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, monitoring closely until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown. This final baking step will give your casserole that beautifully appetizing finish. Step 7: Cool and Serve Once out of the oven, let your Delicious Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to set and makes it easier to scoop out perfect portions. Enjoy this comforting dish warm, perhaps garnished with fresh herbs for an extra pop! Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Variations Feel free to explore these delightful variations that cater to different tastes and dietary needs, adding even more enjoyment to your dish! Dairy-Free: Swap sour cream for coconut yogurt and omit the cheese for a deliciously creamy version without dairy. Deliciously rich and tangy, this alternative will still elevate your casserole while keeping it plant-based. Gluten-Free: Replace orzo with quinoa for a hearty, gluten-free option that still maintains that comforting texture. Quinoa absorbs flavors beautifully, ensuring you don’t miss out on any taste while keeping it friendly for gluten-free diets. Extra Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color. These veggies harmoniously blend with the creamy base, enriching each bite with freshness and flavor. Spicy Twist: For a kick, use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack, or add red pepper flakes while mixing. The added heat will awaken your senses and make this casserole unforgettable, perfect for heat lovers. Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for an aromatic touch. These herbs will uplift the overall flavor profile, making your dish even more delightful with every helping. Taco-Inspired: Mix in taco seasoning and black beans for a flavorful twist on the classic casserole. Transform your dish into a fiesta with bold flavors and textures that will delight the whole family. Cheesy Delight: Layer additional cheese varieties such as mozzarella or gouda for a melty, gooey experience. The creaminess from different cheeses creates an indulgent texture that’s hard to resist, perfect for cheese lovers! If you’re hungry for more delicious options, check out my Hot Honey Chicken for a spicy twist or the comforting Oven Baked Chicken for another fantastic family favorite! Expert Tips for Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Use Low-Sodium Stock: Opt for low-sodium chicken stock to better control the saltiness of your casserole—this lets the other flavors shine through. Mix Thoroughly: Be sure to mix all ingredients well to prevent dry clumps of orzo. Each bite should be creamy and flavorful! Cover to Bake: Always cover the casserole with foil during the first half of baking. This helps create steam, resulting in perfectly cooked orzo without drying out. Let It Sit: Allow your Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other veggies for extra nutrition—zucchini or bell peppers work wonderfully and can elevate the dish’s color and taste! Adjust Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses. While Monterey Jack is delicious, trying pepper jack will add a delightful kick to your casserole. What to Serve with Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Casserole Imagine a cozy family dinner filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible scent of creamy, cheesy goodness in the air. Garlic Bread: This classic side offers a satisfying crunch and pairs perfectly with the creamy casserole, enhancing the overall dining experience. Steamed Broccoli: Fresh and vibrant, it provides a lovely crunch and lightness, balancing the richness of the orzo casserole beautifully. You can even drizzle a little lemon juice for zest! Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with a tangy Caesar dressing adds freshness, texture, and a satisfying contrast to the creamy dish. Top with fresh croutons for extra crunch! Roasted Asparagus: A delightful combination of earthy flavors and slight bitterness that complements the casserole’s richness, creating a perfect harmony on your plate. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a burst of sweetness, cleansing the palate while enhancing the meal’s overall appeal. White Wine: Pairing this dish with a chilled glass of Chardonnay can elevate your dining experience, as its notes of oak and butter complement the creamy flavors wonderfully. Chocolate Lava Cake: For dessert, the rich and gooey lava cake provides a decadent ending, contrasting beautifully with the casserole’s savory notes. Sparkling Water with Lime: A bright, refreshing drink that lightens the meal and cleanses the palate, making each bite of the casserole even more enjoyable. Each of these pairings thoughtfully enhances your meal, ensuring that your dinner remains cozy and memorable. How to Store and Freeze Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before sealing to help maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, consider wrapping in plastic wrap before sealing. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight. Add a splash of chicken stock to preserve creaminess while warming on the stove or in the microwave. Texture Preservation: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing, as this helps maintain its creamy consistency for future meals. Enjoy your flavorful Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Casserole! Make Ahead Options Busy home cooks will love how easy it is to prepare the Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Casserole ahead of time! You can mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate the casserole, up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Be sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the preheated oven, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time as it starts cold. This way, you can enjoy a comforting, homemade meal on busy nights with minimal effort and maximum flavor! Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for this recipe? Absolutely! A rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe as it saves you time and adds delicious, juicy flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms make a fantastic substitute, providing rich texture without the meat. How can I tell if my garlic is fresh enough? Very! Look for firm cloves without dark spots or sprouting. Fresh garlic has a pungent aroma and a crisp texture. If you find cloves that are soft or have dark spots all over, those should be avoided. How do I store leftovers of the casserole? For sure! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the casserole cool completely before sealing to maintain its freshness. When ready to reheat, add a splash of chicken stock to keep it creamy while warming on the stove or in the microwave. Can I freeze the Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Casserole? Yes, you can! Freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, consider wrapping it in plastic wrap before sealing. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat, adding a splash of chicken stock for best results. What should I do if my orzo isn’t cooked properly? No worries! If you find your orzo a bit undercooked after baking, try returning it to the oven covered with foil for an additional 10-15 minutes with a bit of extra chicken stock. This will help it absorb moisture and soften further, creating that desired creamy texture. Are there any dietary considerations for this dish? Definitely! For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily modify this casserole. Use low-sodium chicken stock for a healthier option and substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free version. Kale or swiss chard can replace spinach, making it versatile for various diets! Delicious Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Casserole for Cozy Dinners This Delicious Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Casserole is a comforting dish for weeknights, blending tender chicken and creamy orzo in one pot. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole Base10.5 oz Cream of Chicken with Herbs Can be substituted with homemade cream of chicken.16 oz Sour Cream Greek yogurt makes a great dairy-free substitute.2.5 cups Chicken Stock Opt for low-sodium for better control over saltiness.5 cloves Garlic Always choose fresh garlic for the best results.1 teaspoon All-Purpose Seasoning Italian seasoning can be used for a different twist.0.5 teaspoon Salt Be mindful of the saltiness from the stock used.1 teaspoon Freshly Cracked PepperFor the Vegetables & Pasta3 cups Fresh Spinach Leaves Kale can be a tasty alternative.16 oz Dry Orzo Substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free option.For the Protein & Toppings3 cups Monterey Jack Cheese Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.2 cups Rotisserie Chicken Consider sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.6 oz French's Crispy Fried Onions Substitute with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter option. Equipment 9x13-inch casserole dishAluminum Foilwhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.In the greased casserole dish, combine one can of cream of chicken with herbs, sour cream, and chicken stock. Add minced garlic, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk together until smooth.Add torn spinach leaves, shredded rotisserie chicken, and dry orzo. Gently fold until well-combined, ensuring the orzo is evenly distributed.Sprinkle half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese into the casserole. Top with the remaining cheese and distribute fried onions over the top.Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.Carefully remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesUse low-sodium stock for better flavor control and allow the casserole to sit before serving for enhanced flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
