Description
Monterey Chicken Orzo Bake brings Mediterranean warmth to comfort dining with zesty cheese and herb-infused pasta. Creamy textures and bold flavors merge in this simple, satisfying casserole you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 16 oz dry orzo
Dairy and Cheese:
- 16 oz container sour cream
- 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
- 1–10.5 oz can cream of chicken with herbs
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2.5 cups chicken stock
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves torn (or substitute with 1–10 oz box frozen chopped spinach, thawed)
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 1–6 oz can French’s crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with a light coating of nonstick spray, ensuring complete surface coverage. Warm the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating an ideal baking environment.
- Create a luxurious sauce base by whisking cream of chicken, sour cream, and chicken stock in the prepared dish. Incorporate minced garlic, salt, pepper, and all-purpose seasoning until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform texture.
- Introduce torn spinach leaves, carefully shredded rotisserie chicken, and half the grated Monterey Jack cheese into the creamy foundation. Gently fold in dry orzo, ensuring each ingredient intertwines seamlessly throughout the mixture.
- Lavish the top with remaining cheese, creating a generous blanket of dairy goodness. Distribute crispy fried onions evenly across the surface for a delightful crunch.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and orzo to absorb the creamy sauce.
- Remove the foil and return to the oven, continuing to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges, signaling the dish is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
Notes
- Meal Prep Magic: This chicken orzo bake can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal planning.
- Cheese Choices: Swap Monterey Jack with similar melting cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for delightful flavor variations.
- Protein Flexibility: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even shredded turkey as a convenient protein alternative.
- Spinach Swap: Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or frozen mixed vegetables for added nutrition and color variety.
- Crispy Topping Tricks: For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with the fried onions or add sliced almonds before the final bake.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this creamy bake with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg