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To make Monterey Chicken Orzo Skillet, you need fresh ingredients. Here’s the list: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish Each ingredient adds flavor and texture to your dish. The chicken gives protein, while orzo adds a nice bite. The cheese melts beautifully for a creamy finish. Bell peppers and onions add sweetness and crunch. Garlic packs a punch of flavor, and spinach brings color and nutrition. Using low-sodium broth helps control the salt in the dish, making it healthier. Spices like smoked paprika and cumin give it warmth and depth. Finally, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten up the meal. Gather these items before you start cooking. It makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 finely chopped onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the veggies soften. Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for about 1 more minute until the garlic smells nice but does not burn. Now, take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken turns golden brown. Carefully pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This will help the dish simmer nicely. Once it simmers, add 1 cup of orzo pasta, stirring well to mix. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir it now and then to stop the orzo from sticking. After cooking, fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach. The heat will wilt the spinach quickly. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the dish. Cover the skillet for about 1 minute to let the cheese melt and bubble. Once done, take the skillet off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. For serving, you can keep it rustic by serving directly from the skillet. You can also portion it into bowls to show off the melted cheese. A slice of crusty bread on the side makes a great addition! Finally, garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a nice touch. - To ensure chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. This helps keep it safe and juicy. - For avoiding clumping of orzo, stir it often while cooking. This keeps it separate and helps it cook evenly. - To boost flavor, try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil. These spices add depth to your dish. - If you want cheese alternatives, consider using cheddar or gouda. Each brings a unique flavor to the skillet. - Side dishes that work well include a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. These sides add freshness and balance to your meal. - For beverages, pair this dish with a light white wine or sparkling water. Both options enhance the meal without overpowering it. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken for better flavor and texture in your dish. Customize the Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Perfect Cheese Melting: For the best melt, grate your Monterey Jack cheese fresh from the block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove. {{image_4}} You can easily switch proteins in this dish. Try shrimp for a seafood twist. If you want a plant-based option, tofu works well too. Both will absorb the flavors nicely. You can also mix up the veggies. Add zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn for a new taste. Each swap adds a fresh twist to your meal. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer this choice. You can also swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it plant-based. For dairy-free alternatives, try using a dairy-free cheese. Nutritional yeast can also give a cheesy flavor without dairy. For an oven-baked version, preheat your oven to 350°F. You can cook the skillet mix on the stove, then transfer it to a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly. If you have an Instant Pot, you can make it there too. Sauté the veggies and chicken first, then add orzo and broth. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, and your meal is ready in no time! To store leftovers, let the skillet cool first. Then, place the dish in an airtight container. Divide the meal into smaller portions for easy access. This makes it easier to grab a quick meal later. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well to keep food fresh. For the best results when reheating, use the stovetop. Place the leftover meal in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help the orzo stay moist. Stir often until heated through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just cover the bowl with a lid or a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. If you want to freeze it, let the meal cool completely first. Transfer the cooled dish to freezer-safe bags or containers. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. In the fridge, leftovers will last about three to four days. Check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold. If the dish looks or smells bad, it's best to throw it away. Always trust your nose and eyes when it comes to food safety. Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo? Yes, you can use regular pasta. Choose a small type like macaroni or penne. Just remember, cooking times may differ. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese? You can use cheddar or mozzarella. Both melt well and taste great. Try different cheeses to find your favorite mix. How long does it take to cook the orzo? Cooking the orzo takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it a few times to prevent sticking. Check for tenderness before serving. How can I tell if the chicken is done? Cut into the chicken and check the center. It should be white and no longer pink. You can also use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F for safety. Is smoked paprika essential for flavor? Smoked paprika adds a nice depth. If you don’t have it, try regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Can I add other vegetables to the skillet? Absolutely! You can add zucchini, mushrooms, or peas. Just chop them small so they cook quickly. This makes the dish even more colorful and tasty. This blog post covered a delicious skillet dish featuring chicken, orzo, and fresh veggies. We explored simple steps for cooking and serving this hearty meal. Tips and variations add spice and fun to your cooking. Remember, you can swap ingredients based on your taste. With easy storage ideas, you can enjoy leftovers without hassle. Cooking should be enjoyable, so try new flavors and methods. I hope you feel inspired to create this dish and make it your own!

Monterey Chicken Orzo Skillet Delight

A delicious one-pan meal featuring chicken, orzo pasta, and melted Monterey Jack cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 piece bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burned.
  • In a small bowl, season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is nicely browned on all sides.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the orzo pasta, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet.
  • After the orzo is cooked to your desired tenderness, fold in the chopped spinach, giving it a moment to wilt in the residual heat of the skillet.
  • Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Cover the skillet briefly for about 1 minute, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. To finish, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a refreshing burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic look, or portion into bowls. Consider adding a slice of crusty bread on the side for a complete meal!
Keyword cheese, chicken, one-pan meal, orzo, skillet