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Creamy Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo with chicken, spinach, and cheesy orzo in a baking dish.

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo

A cozy one pan meal featuring juicy chicken, creamy orzo, smoky bacon, and melty cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lbs Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs Thighs stay extra juicy
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta Cooks fast and turns creamy
  • 4 slices Bacon Adds smoky saltiness; adjust cooking time for thick cut
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce Use your preferred flavor, preferably sweet and smoky
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Mix with cheddar if desired
  • 2 cups Chicken broth Enhances the flavor of the orzo
Supporting Ingredients
  • 1 medium Onion Diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika For seasoning
  • 1 small Squeeze of lime Optional, for a fresh touch
  • optional Diced tomatoes For extra sauciness
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Instructions
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and leave about 1 to 2 tablespoons of fat in the skillet.
  2. Sear the chicken in the same skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika until golden brown on both sides, then set aside.
  3. Sauté the diced onion until soft in the remaining bacon fat, then add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
  4. Add orzo and toast briefly, stirring for about a minute.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and stir in BBQ sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to capture flavor.
  6. Nestle the seared chicken on top of the orzo. Cover and simmer until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through (about 12-15 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  7. Sprinkle cooked bacon and shredded cheese on top, cover again until the cheese melts.
  8. Top with green onions and drizzle with more BBQ sauce before serving.
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Notes

Consider adding vegetables like corn or spinach for extra nutrition. Keep an eye on salt levels due to the bacon and cheese. Use a BBQ sauce you enjoy the flavor of, as it significantly affects the dish's taste.