French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

When the weather turns cool and the craving for comfort food hits, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty casserole to satisfy hunger and bring the family together. One dish that never fails to impress is the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. Combining the sweet, rich flavors of caramelized onions with tender chicken, this dish encases everything in creamy orzo for a delightful twist on the traditional French onion soup. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, and I promise, it will quickly become a favorite in your household.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole apart is its incredible blend of flavors and textures. Not only does this dish deliver the nostalgic taste of classic French onion soup, but it also incorporates the heartiness of shredded chicken and the delightful chew of orzo pasta. It’s budget-friendly, using ingredients often found in your pantry, and it’s a crowd-pleaser among both kids and adults alike.

"This casserole is a game changer! The caramelized onions give it such a deep flavor, and the creamy texture is just delightful. My family went back for seconds!" – A recent reviewer.

This recipe is an excellent choice for a weeknight meal when time is limited, or when you want to impress friends at a casual gathering. It takes a little over an hour to prepare and bake, yet the results are so satisfying that you’ll feel like a gourmet chef.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

To create this culinary delight, the process is straightforward and approachable. You’ll start by caramelizing the onions, which is the key to achieving that rich flavor profile. Then, the orzo and chicken are added along with some creamy elements, which make this dish particularly indulgent. Finally, a brief bake in the oven allows the top to get bubbly and golden.

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

Feel free to tweak these ingredients based on your preferences—if you’re aiming for a lighter version, go for half and half instead of heavy cream.

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Cooking Steps

1. 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.

2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Then, add in the shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper, mixing well.

3. Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then 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 Parmesan cheese until everything is 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.

6. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

   

What to Serve It With

Pair this delicious casserole with a fresh green salad drizzled in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish. Crusty French bread is also an excellent accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Additionally, roasted vegetables or steamed green beans can add a nice crunch and color to your dinner table.

Best Way to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

If you have leftovers (which might be rare considering how delicious this dish is), the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole stores beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature before covering it tightly and storing it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake it just before serving. Always remember safe food handling practices to keep your meal fresh and delicious.

Expert Advice

• Caramelization is Key: Take your time when caramelizing the onions; it’s worth the wait for that rich sweetness.
• Play with Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds a depth of flavor. You can also swap in shredded turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving enhances flavor and makes it easier to scoop out portions.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Try adding different herbs or spices to customize the flavor! A sprinkle of smoked paprika can add an intriguing depth, while fresh herbs like basil or rosemary can elevate the freshness. For more textures, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this casserole take to prepare?

The total time for preparation and cooking is about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it quite manageable for a weeknight dinner.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Just freeze it before baking and make sure to wrap it well. You can bake it directly from the freezer, adding some extra time to ensure it’s heated through.

What if I don’t have orzo?

If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with another small pasta type such as ditalini, couscous, or even rice, though cooking times may vary.

Bring this delightful recipe into your kitchen, and I guarantee you’ll be swept away by the comforting aroma and rich flavor. Happy cooking!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

A comforting casserole featuring caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo, perfect for cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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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Instructions

1. 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.
2. Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Then, add in the shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper, mixing well.
3. Add the chicken broth and cream to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
4. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and creamy.
5. 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.
6. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Feel free to tweak ingredients based on your preferences. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: casserole, French onion, comfort food, chicken, orzo