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This Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is my go-to dinner when I want something cheesy and comforting with almost zero cleanup. All you do is dump everything into a casserole dish and bake until golden and bubbly. It is the ultimate weeknight dinner that everyone can dig into and I have lost count of how many times it has saved me when I am low on time or energy.
I first made this when my kids requested something warm and cheesy after soccer practice and now it is a regular rotation every month because it gets gobbled up by everyone no matter what.
Ingredients
- Cream of chicken with herbs: This brings extra flavor and creaminess go for low sodium if possible for more control of seasoning
- Sour cream: Makes the orzo extra luscious and tangy choose a full-fat variety for the best texture
- Chicken stock: Adds deep savory flavor pick a homemade or low-sodium store-bought stock if you can
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic packs the most punch so do not substitute with jarred if you do not have to
- All-purpose seasoning: Gives that extra boost of flavor use your favorite blend or the homemade mix in my notes
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper: Helps balance and intensify all the flavors
- Fresh spinach leaves: Torn spinach wilts down and adds vibrant color or use defrosted frozen spinach for convenience
- Dry orzo: Orzo is the star and soaks up all that sauce use a fresh dry batch for the right texture
- Monterey jack cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts nicer pick a block and shred it yourself if possible
- Rotisserie chicken: Rotisserie chicken is quick to shred and adds hearty protein any leftover cooked chicken works too
- Frenchs crispy fried onions: These finish the dish with a savory crunchy topping that dresses up the whole casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grease the casserole dish:
- Spray a nine by thirteen dish with nonstick spray or rub it down with real butter to prevent sticking and give every bite a rich flavor
- Mix the creamy base:
- In the casserole dish add cream of chicken sour cream chicken stock garlic all-purpose seasoning salt and pepper then whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump free
- Combine with orzo spinach and chicken:
- Add torn spinach rotisserie chicken half of the cheese and the orzo to the creamy base then stir gently to mix everything evenly and make sure there are no dry orzo bits hiding at the bottom
- Top and bake covered:
- Scatter the rest of the cheese evenly over the top sprinkle with all the crispy fried onions then cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at three hundred fifty degrees for twenty five minutes
- Bake uncovered for a golden finish:
- Remove the foil and bake for ten to fifteen more minutes just until the top is deep golden edges are bubbling and everything inside is creamy and fully cooked through
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One time my daughter helped me toss the fried onions onto the top and we both laughed when every bite had extra crunch it has become her favorite job whenever we make this together
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake covered in the oven for fifteen minutes at three hundred fifty degrees. You can also prep the whole dish ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking it fresh for guests.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have Monterey jack cheese use mozzarella or a mild cheddar. For the spinach swap in chopped kale or even a handful of frozen peas. Any cooked chicken will work so feel free to use leftovers from grill night.
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Serving Suggestions
This is a complete meal on its own but a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli makes the best simple side. I love to serve this up family style straight from the casserole dish and let everyone scoop out their own portion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use cooked chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, cooked and shredded chicken breast works well. Ensure it's moist so the dish stays tender.
- → Do I need to cook the orzo before baking?
No, the orzo is added dry. It cooks as it bakes, absorbing flavors from the creamy sauce.
- → Can frozen spinach be substituted for fresh?
Absolutely. Just thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly before mixing into the dish.
- → What can I use if I don't have French’s crispy fried onions?
Crushed crackers, toasted breadcrumbs, or another crunchy topping can be used for a similar effect.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- → Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding extra time if cold.