Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo
This Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo combines creamy sour cream, tender chicken, spinach, Monterey Jack cheese, and crispy onions in one comforting bake.
8 Servings
Ingredients
For the Creamy Base:
- 1 can 10.5 oz unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 container 16 oz sour cream
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Main Mixture:
- 1 package 16 oz uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 package 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained
- 3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese reserve 1 cup for topping
For the Topping:
- 1 can 6 oz crispy fried onions, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese from above
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a thin coating of butter.
Prepare the Creamy Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until fully combined and smooth.
Add Seasonings:
- Incorporate the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the creamy mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Combine the Main Ingredients:
- To the same bowl, add the uncooked orzo, thoroughly drained spinach, cooked chicken, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Gently fold until all ingredients are well coated. Stir in half of the crispy fried onions.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula or spoon to create a uniform layer.
Add the Toppings:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining crispy fried onions.
Bake Covered:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the orzo to absorb the liquid and the flavors to develop.
Bake Uncovered:
- Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, the edges are bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.
Rest and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the orzo with a certified gluten-free pasta variety that cooks similarly. Ensure that the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and crispy fried onions are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat-based thickeners or additives. Always verify product labels for gluten-free certification to avoid cross-contamination.