Name: Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-10.5 oz can cream of chicken with herbs; 16 oz container sour cream; 2.5 cups chicken stock; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning**see notes; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp freshly cracked pepper; 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, torn (or 1-10 oz box frozen chopped spinach, thawed); 16 oz dry orzo; 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated; 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded; 1-6 oz can French’s crispy fried onions

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 24 reviews

If you’re searching for a truly comforting weeknight dinner that’s ultra-satisfying and remarkably fuss-free, this Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine tender orzo soaking up a savory, creamy sauce, juicy rotisserie chicken, plenty of melty Monterey Jack cheese, vibrant spinach, and the irresistible crunch of crispy fried onions — all baked together in a single pan. And the best part? This crowd-pleasing dish comes together with minimal prep and zero hassle, making your weeknight cooking both delicious and completely doable. Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo brings all the cozy, homestyle vibes in less than an hour, without any need to stand over the stove or pile up dishes in the sink.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo lies in its simple, familiar ingredients that transform into something so special. Every component in this list adds an essential touch, from the creamy sauce to the melty cheese and that signature crispy topping.

Cream of chicken with herbs: Adds a velvety, savory base that makes the sauce ultra-creamy with a herby punch.
Sour cream: Lends rich tanginess and keeps the orzo perfectly moist as it bakes.
Chicken stock: Infuses the entire casserole with deep, chicken-forward flavor and helps cook the orzo just right.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings wonderful aroma and a subtle bite, elevating all the other flavors.
All-purpose seasoning: This spice blend with paprika, garlic, and a touch of heat gives depth and color (see notes for a homemade version).
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors, but since the soup and cheese are salty too, you only need a little.
Freshly cracked pepper: Adds a subtle kick of heat and complexity; don’t skimp on this!
Spinach leaves: Sneaks extra veggies and vibrant green color into every bite; fresh or thawed frozen both work well.
Dry orzo: This rice-shaped pasta bakes up tender and absorbs all that saucy goodness.
Monterey Jack cheese: Freshly shredded for the smoothest melt and the signature gooey topping.
Rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken is a weeknight lifesaver, adding protein and rich flavor with zero extra effort.
French’s crispy fried onions: The crown jewel – these bring savory crunch and unbeatable flavor to the finished casserole.

How to Make Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Casserole Dish

Start by greasing a large 9×13 casserole dish with either nonstick cooking spray or a light layer of butter. This step ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze. While you’re at it, set your oven to preheat at 350 degrees so it’s perfectly hot and ready when you finish assembling the dish.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In your prepared casserole dish, add the cream of chicken with herbs, sour cream, and chicken stock. Toss in the minced garlic, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Using a sturdy whisk, blend everything right in the dish until it’s smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining. This shortcut means less washing up and ensures the flavors meld beautifully from the start.

Step 3: Add the Main Ingredients

Now, fold the torn spinach (or thawed frozen spinach), cooked rotisserie chicken, HALF of the grated Monterey Jack cheese, and all of the dry orzo directly into the creamy base. Give it a thorough mix to evenly distribute every ingredient and make sure the pasta soaks up the maximum flavor as it bakes. You want every bite of your Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo to be loaded with tasty bits!

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Onions

Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese in an even layer across the surface of the casserole. Then, generously scatter the crispy fried onions over the top (don’t be shy with these – they’re everyone’s favorite part). This double topping turns the casserole into a golden, bubbly, crunchy delight as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole tightly with foil and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the orzo to absorb the creamy flavors and the cheese to partially melt. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final stretch makes the top gorgeously golden brown and the edges deliciously bubbly – irresistible!

How to Serve Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo

Garnishes

While this casserole already looks gorgeous with its cheesy, crispy topping, you can brighten up each serving of Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, thinly sliced green onions, or even a dash of smoked paprika. These fresh, colorful touches make your dish pop on any table.

Side Dishes

Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with sides. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds contrast, or serve alongside buttered green beans, roasted broccoli, or even some fluffy dinner rolls to mop up that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

This casserole is perfect for casual family dinners, but you can dress it up for company by scooping individual portions into ramekins or mini cocottes for a cozy bistro-style vibe. For a fun twist, spoon leftovers into halved bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender for irresistible Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo stuffed peppers. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo, lucky you! Let the casserole cool, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days, perfect for next-day lunches or easy dinners. The creamy texture stays fantastic even after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

This dish holds up wonderfully in the freezer, making it a great make-ahead option. Assemble and bake as directed, then cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, add fresh crispy onions after reheating, as their crunch fades in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a portion of Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo in the microwave until hot, or place it in a covered baking dish and warm it in a 350-degree oven. Add a splash of chicken stock if it looks a little dry, and top with a few extra onions to restore that fresh-from-the-oven texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of Monterey Jack?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts beautifully and gives this dish its name, you can try Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a mild cheddar. Just be sure to use freshly grated cheese for the melt factor.

Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie?

If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use small cubes of raw chicken breast or thigh. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, ensure they’re fully submerged in the sauce, and check that they’re cooked through when finished baking.

Is it okay to make Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble everything (except the crispy onions), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. Add the onions just before baking to keep them perfectly crunchy.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for canned white beans or extra veggies, use a plant-based cream soup, and choose vegetable stock. The flavors will still mingle beautifully, and everyone will be happy at the table.

What can I use if I don’t have orzo?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rice can be substituted. You may need to tweak the liquid and baking time, but the results will still be creamy and comforting!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a one-pan meal that delivers on big flavor and easy cleanup, and Monterey Chicken One-Pan Orzo hits that sweet spot every single time. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a new family favorite. Trust me, once you taste that cheesy, creamy, crispy-topped goodness, you’ll crave it again and again!