If you’re searching for a heartwarming, flavor-packed dinner that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds, Cheesy Adobo Chicken is your new weeknight hero. Tender shredded chicken mingles with smoky chipotle peppers, creamy cheese, and orzo pasta for the ultimate Mexican-American comfort food. This irresistible casserole bakes up golden and bubbly—and believe me, the first forkful delivers a cheesy, mildly spicy hug in every bite. When you want to treat yourself (and your family or friends) to a dish that’s as bold as it is cozy, this is the one that’ll earn a permanent spot on your favorites list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Adobo Chicken is in its balance of bold flavors and smooth, creamy textures—all thanks to a handful of essential ingredients. Each component plays a special role, so don’t skip any if you want the flavor party in your mouth!
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: Tender and juicy chicken forms the backbone of the dish, so feel free to use rotisserie or any leftover roast chicken for extra convenience.
- Orzo Pasta: These tiny pasta shapes soak up all the adobo goodness, delivering a luxuriously creamy bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté those onions for a savory foundation.
- Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed, it brings sweet, mellow flavor and a touch of texture.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: The key to that smoky, spicy depth—add more or less to suit your heat preference.
- Ground Cumin: Lends irresistible earthy warmth you’ll taste in every bite.
- Black Pepper: Balances out the creamy and spicy notes with a gentle kick.
- Diced Tomatoes with Juices: Gives the sauce body, zing, and just the right touch of acidity.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to the dish’s decadent texture and mild sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Softens into the sauce for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess—just make sure it’s at room temperature before stirring in.
- Shredded Colby-Jack or Cheddar Cheese: Cheesy goodness on top and within, providing that gooey, melty cap everyone loves.
- Salt to Taste: Make sure all those amazing flavors shine through by seasoning thoughtfully.
- Optional Garnishes (cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges): Brightens each serving and lets you customize for every palate.
How to Make Cheesy Adobo Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Set a large pot of salted water to boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook until just al dente, following the package instructions—this prevents mushiness during baking. Drain well and set the orzo aside while you prepare the other layers of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Spices
In a spacious skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, cumin, and black pepper. Let everything sizzle together for about two minutes—that’s when your kitchen will start to smell magical, and the flavors will really come alive.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Adobo Sauce
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes (juices included!), heavy cream, and softened cream cheese. As the mixture simmers, the cream cheese will melt right in, creating a luxuriously smooth sauce that’s both tangy and rich. Keep stirring until it’s completely blended and heated through.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Orzo, and Sauce
Add the shredded chicken and your cooked orzo to the skillet, folding gently to coat every piece in that gorgeously creamy, smoky sauce. Give it a taste and adjust the salt if needed—don’t be shy, seasoning here is key!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Off the heat, stir in one cup of shredded Colby-Jack (or cheddar) so it melts into every nook and cranny. Transfer the whole mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, then cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
How to Serve Cheesy Adobo Chicken
Garnishes
A vibrant finish makes every spoonful of Cheesy Adobo Chicken pop! Shower chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a fresh, herbal note. A dollop of cool sour cream and wedges of lime add just the right contrast to the smoky, creamy sauce—plus, they’re always a hit at the table.
Side Dishes
This casserole is satisfying as a one-dish meal, but rounding it out with a crisp green salad or warm tortillas takes things next-level. You could also serve it with simple steamed veggies or a quick black bean salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
When you want to wow at a potluck or family gathering, spoon generous portions of Cheesy Adobo Chicken into individual ramekins and let each guest add their favorite garnishes. Or, make little tacos with warm tortillas, topping each with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a playful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesy Adobo Chicken stores beautifully. Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, perfect for make-ahead lunches or low-effort dinners.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for a future craving, pop portions of this dish in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy. Frozen Cheesy Adobo Chicken is a meal-prep win!
Reheating
For best results, reheat your leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil until hot and melty again. You can also zap individual servings in the microwave—add a splash of milk or cream to keep things moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I substitute another pasta for orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo gives that lovely creamy texture, small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work well too. Just keep the pasta bite-sized so it integrates seamlessly with the sauce and chicken.
How spicy is Cheesy Adobo Chicken?
This dish has a pleasant, smoky heat thanks to the chipotle peppers, but you control the spice! For a milder version, use fewer chipotle peppers or scrape out the seeds before chopping them.
Can I make Cheesy Adobo Chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Of course! Swap the chicken for your favorite meatless protein. Roasted cauliflower, black beans, or a plant-based chicken substitute all soak up the sauce perfectly and still taste amazing with the cheesy topping.
What’s the best cheese for topping Cheesy Adobo Chicken?
Colby-Jack and cheddar are both great because they melt smoothly and bring sharp, tangy flavor. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for your own little signature touch.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in need of a cozy, flavor-packed meal or hosting friends for the ultimate comfort-food night, Cheesy Adobo Chicken is sure to win hearts. Gather your simple ingredients and let the oven do the work—you’ll find this cheesy, spicy, creamy casserole is as memorable as it is easy. Give it a try and let every gooey, smoky forkful remind you how fun homemade dinners can (and should!) be.
Print
Cheesy Adobo Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Adobo Chicken recipe combines tender shredded chicken and orzo pasta in a creamy, smoky chipotle sauce, topped with a generous amount of Colby-Jack or cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, this Mexican-inspired dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Shredded Chicken:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Orzo Pasta:
- 12 oz orzo pasta
Chipotle Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Jack or cheddar cheese
Additional:
- Salt to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chipotle Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the chipotle peppers, cumin, and black pepper, cook until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Cook until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add shredded chicken and cooked orzo to the sauce, stirring to combine. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese. Bake covered, then uncovered until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, reduce the number of chipotle peppers.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or warm tortillas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
