Description
A comforting one-dish meal featuring creamy cheese, savory chicken, and rich caramelized onions, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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 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
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.
Notes
Optional to use turkey bacon or rotisserie chicken. Can prepare components in advance and assemble before baking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, chicken, orzo