Ingredients
Scale
Gather these simple ingredients to bring this dish to life:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Feel free to swap Monterey Jack for another cheese you love. Cheddar or mozzarella work well too! And if you’re out of chicken broth, water with a bouillon cube can be a lifesaver.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add orzo to the skillet, stirring well to coat the pasta in the flavorful pan juices. This step reminds me of my mom’s magic touch with minimal ingredients creating maximum flavor!
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and watch your family’s faces light up!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo, recipe, cooking, food
