French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting dish that combines classic French onion soup flavors with tender chicken and creamy orzo pasta. It’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup easy. This recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. The rich flavors and gooey cheese make it a favorite for both adults and kids.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for added depth)

Directions

1. Caramelize the Onions
   In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.

2. Add Orzo and Chicken
   Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.

3. Pour in Liquids
   Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

4. Add Cheese
   Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.

5. Bake the Casserole
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Serve
   Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This casserole is best served warm. You can plate it up in bowls and garnish with fresh herbs. It pairs wonderfully with a green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist.

Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

• To enhance the flavor of your dish, let the onions caramelize slowly.
• If you prefer more cheese, feel free to add additional mozzarella or even some Gruyère cheese for a richer taste.
• You can substitute the shredded chicken with cubed cooked sausage or mushrooms for a twist.

Variation

For a veggie twist, add some spinach or bell peppers when you mix in the chicken. You can also substitute the orzo with another pasta of your choice, adjusting cooking times as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
   Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   You can use half-and-half for a lighter option or even a milk alternative if you prefer a dairy-free version.

3. Can this be made ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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• Author: recipesforcook
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Poultry, Comfort Food

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Description

A comforting one-pan casserole that merges the classic flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken and creamy orzo pasta.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

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Instructions

1. Melt butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, and salt; cook for 20–25 minutes until caramelized.
2. Stir in minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
3. Add orzo and cook for 2 minutes, then mix in shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
4. Pour in chicken broth and cream; bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
5. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
7. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, allow onions to caramelize slowly and feel free to add more cheese as desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg