If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, the Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with vibrant veggies and creamy orzo, all cooked in one pan for maximum taste and minimal cleanup. The smoky barbecue sauce adds a delightful twist, making this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients for this recipe each play a special role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and colors. From the succulent chicken breasts to the sweet crunch of bell peppers, every component adds texture and depth, making this one pan meal truly irresistible.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless for even cooking and tenderness.
- Orzo pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and rich flavor without overpowering.
- Bell peppers: Dice them finely for a sweet, colorful crunch that brightens the dish.
- Zucchini: Provides a mild earthiness and keeps the meal light and fresh.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses a warm, fragrant base flavor.
- Barbecue sauce: The final touch that brings a tangy, smoky kick to every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances every flavor.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps with browning the chicken.
How to Make Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spraying a large oven-safe skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet over medium-high heat. This step creates a beautifully golden crust, locking in juices and flavor. Sear for about 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown but not fully cooked through yet.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside temporarily. Toss in the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the veggies start to soften and release their aromatic flavors. This builds a tasty base for the orzo later on.
Step 3: Combine Orzo and Broth
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet along with the chicken broth. Stir everything together so the orzo begins soaking up the flavorful liquid. Then, nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, making sure they’re partially submerged in broth for even cooking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to trap the steam, then transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the orzo is tender and creamy. The oven’s gentle heat finishes cooking the chicken and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Once everything is cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven and drizzle the barbecue sauce over the top. This final touch adds a rich, tangy, and smoky flavor that truly makes the Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Recipe unforgettable. Serve it hot right from the pan and enjoy every comforting bite.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro work wonderfully as garnishes, adding a pop of color and vibrant freshness that balances the rich barbecue notes. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the dish just before serving.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to complement the hearty flavors of the chicken and orzo. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make a perfect accompaniment for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of orzo with veggies arranged artistically around the plate. Alternatively, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side for added creaminess and a clever contrast to the barbecue sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making leftovers perfect for a tasty next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if stored properly. Place cooled food in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the orzo creamy and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to warm evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe and provide a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Is it okay to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute for chicken broth and keeps the dish flavorful while accommodating vegetarian preferences for the base—though the chicken remains the protein source here.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of baking?
You can cook everything on the stovetop by simmering with a lid on, but baking helps the chicken cook evenly while infusing the orzo with flavor—so baking is preferred for best results.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
Choose your favorite brand or homemade barbecue sauce—whether smoky, sweet, or spicy—to customize the final flavor. A thicker sauce tends to cling nicely to the chicken.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with another gluten-free small pasta like rice pasta. Ensure your broth and barbecue sauce are certified gluten-free for safety.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Recipe, you’ll wonder why it hasn’t been a staple in your kitchen all along. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that feels special without fussing over dozens of ingredients or dirty dishes. Full of flavor, texture, and comforting goodness, this recipe is ready to become one of your favorites. Go ahead — give it a try and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner featuring tender chicken breasts seared and baked with orzo pasta, fresh bell peppers, zucchini, and a flavorful barbecue sauce drizzle. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe combines sautéing and baking in one pan to save time and cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray (nonstick)
Vegetables and Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a large oven-safe skillet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet over medium-high heat and sear for about 5 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown.
- Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir the orzo pasta into the skillet with the vegetables, followed by the chicken broth. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil on the stovetop. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to prepare for baking.
- Bake in Oven: Transfer the covered skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the orzo is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and serve the baked chicken and orzo hot, drizzled with ½ cup of barbecue sauce on top for added flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the contents to a baking dish before the oven step.
- You can substitute barbecue sauce with your favorite sauce or glaze for a different flavor profile.
- For extra freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
- Low-sodium broth helps control salt levels, but adjust seasoning to taste after cooking.
