Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
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 lighter option); 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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Why make this recipe

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions with tender chicken and creamy orzo pasta. This dish is not only delicious but also comforting, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The blend of cheeses brings an extra layer of flavor, making each bite delightfully cheesy and savory. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in one pot, saving you time on cleanup!

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 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

Caramelize the Onions
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the 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.
Add Orzo and Chicken
Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire if using. Mix well.
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.
Add Cheese
Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
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.
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

Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole hot from the oven. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish is also great for leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

How to store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you want to freeze it, let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Make sure not to rush the caramelization of the onions; it enhances the overall taste.
You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, but rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time.

Variation

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color. You can also try different cheeses based on your preference, such as cheddar or gouda.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary.

2. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This casserole stores well, making it perfect for meal prep for lunches or dinners during the week.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You could also add more vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Author: pedro
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

A comforting one-pot casserole that combines caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo pasta, all topped with melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

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 lighter option)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

Instructions

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the 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.
Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire if using. Mix well.
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.
Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
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.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.