French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal combining rich caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo pasta. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
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)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
- Step 4: Add shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix well.
- Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top.
- Step 8: Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half and half or whole milk.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Adding Worcestershire sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze enhances the depth of the French onion flavor.
- For extra freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or thyme before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the casserole if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When ready, add the topping cheese and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for orzo pasta?
You can use other small pasta shapes like couscous, small shells, or even rice if you prefer. Cooking times may vary slightly.
PrintFrench Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe
A comforting French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole featuring caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. This hearty one-dish meal combines rich flavors with simple ingredients, perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
Scale
Base 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for lighter option)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for added depth)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with sugar and salt. Cook them slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply golden and caramelized. Add minced garlic during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking to infuse flavor without burning.
- Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook it for approximately 2 minutes to lightly toast it, enhancing its flavor. Then mix in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using, ensuring all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Pour in Liquids: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and creamy.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until these cheeses melt fully into the sauce, making it rich and creamy.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the oven and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired for an added touch of freshness and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Using rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor, but freshly cooked shredded chicken works well too.
- Ensure onions are properly caramelized for the best flavor depth.
- Optional Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze enhances savory complexity but can be omitted.
- This dish can be made ahead up to the baking step; refrigerate and bake when ready to serve.
Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, orzo casserole, comfort food, baked chicken pasta, caramelized onion recipe
