Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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

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There’s something undeniably cozy about settling down to a warm dish like French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. Imagine the flickering candlelight and the aroma of caramelized onions wafting through the air as you dish up a generous portion, each bite melding tender orzo with creamy cheese, savory chicken, and rich onion flavor. This casserole is the perfect comfort food that fits wonderfully into weeknight dinners or celebratory gatherings, offering a delicious blend of flavors that invite you to savor each spoonful.

Why This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Works

There are numerous reasons to embrace this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, but its charm comes down to the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Each layer offers something unique: the soft, savory orzo, the tender chicken, and the sweet, caramelized onions create a delightful culinary experience. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Hearty and filling
Rich in flavor from caramelized onions
Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
A comforting one-dish meal
Great for leftovers

Gather These Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients that will help create this delightful dish. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the rich, layered flavors of this casserole. Remember, you can easily swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch or opt for rotisserie chicken to save time. Here’s what you’ll need:

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)

Step by Step

Creating your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is easy and rewarding. Follow these steps to bring it all together:

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. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma! Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb some of the onion flavor. Next, mix in the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
Pour in Liquids: Carefully add the chicken broth and cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the liquid. The texture should be creamy and inviting.
Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. The cheese adds richness and binds everything together beautifully.
Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top of the dish. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. It should look delicious and inviting.
Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 40 minutes, Total ~ 55 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 490 (estimated).

Plan Ahead

Making French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole can easily be part of a busy week. You can prepare some components in advance, such as caramelizing the onions and cooking the chicken. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When it’s time to assemble, just mix everything together, or you could even assemble the entire casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. Simply bake it when you’re ready to enjoy a comforting meal!

How to Store Leftovers

This casserole is perfect for enjoying later, too. It can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for an even later date, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. A freshness cue to look for is the aroma; if it smells off, it’s best to toss it.

Serving Ideas

To complement your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, consider pairing it with:

A crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette
Garlic bread for a crunchy texture
Roasted vegetables to enhance the meal’s nutritional value
Steamed green beans or broccoli for added color
A simple fruit salad for a refreshing contrast

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. Here are ideas to make it your own:

Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as cheddar or Gruyère, for unique flavors.
Herb Choices: Swap thyme for fresh rosemary or sage for a different herbal touch.
Protein Alternatives: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a heartier dish, adding even more flavor.
Spice it Up: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Here are some tips to ensure your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

Make sure to slice the onions evenly to allow for consistent caramelization.
Watch the onions carefully while cooking; you want them browned but not burnt.
When simmering the orzo, ensure it doesn’t overcook; the pasta should be slightly al dente for the best texture.
If the casserole is too thick, you can stir in a little extra chicken broth before baking.
Finally, give it a chance to rest after coming out of the oven; this allows flavors to meld perfectly.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, other short pasta can work, but orzo provides a unique texture that complements the dish beautifully.
Is this dish suitable for freezing? Absolutely! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
What if I don’t have shredded chicken? You can easily cook and shred your own chicken breast or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
How do I make this dish vegetarian? Swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or use extra veggies and a vegetarian broth.
Can I make this dairy-free? You could substitute the cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Final Thoughts

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience wrapped in warmth and comfort. With its layers of flavor and creamy textures, this casserole becomes a family favorite that’s not only satisfying but also simple to prepare. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish encourages you to gather around the table and relish the moment. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and dive into making this delightful casserole soon!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 55
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

A comforting one-dish meal featuring creamy cheese, savory chicken, and rich caramelized onions, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

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 until caramelized, stirring occasionally. Stir in minced garlic in the last 1–2 minutes.
Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes. Mix in the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
Carefully add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook about 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.