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Monterey Chicken Orzo

Creamy Monterey Chicken Orzo for a Cozy One-Pan Dinner

This Creamy Monterey Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights, offering a savory blend of chicken, orzo, and melted cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Creamy Base
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup Use low-sodium to control salt content.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock Can swap with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Aromatics
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh garlic recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onions can be used as an alternative.
Healthy Boost
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Kale can be a substitute for added texture.
Pasta
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Gluten-free orzo can serve as a substitute.
Protein
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken (chopped) Rotisserie chicken saves preparation time.
Cheese
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese (grated) Cheddar or mozzarella can be used for different flavor profiles.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated) Pecorino Romano can be an alternative.
Crunch
  • 1 cup Crispy Fried Onions Panko breadcrumbs can be used for a similar texture.
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Use to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Use to taste.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Stir in minced garlic, onion powder, baby spinach, orzo pasta, cooked chicken, 1.5 cups of Monterey Jack cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  3. Season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  4. Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and crispy fried onions on top. Cover with aluminum foil.
  6. Bake covered for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  7. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure your baking dish is well-greased and mix all ingredients thoroughly for best results. Feel free to add extra vegetables for a nutritional boost.

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