French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Indulge in Comfort with French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

There’s something incredibly cozy about a warm casserole bubbling away in the oven on a crisp fall evening. French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole captures that comforting spirit perfectly. This dish marries the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken and al dente orzo, transforming a classic soup into a satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting family, craving a hearty weeknight dinner, or preparing for a holiday gathering, this casserole is bound to bring warmth and joy to your table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

You might wonder why this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. For starters, it’s remarkably simple and relatively quick to make, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s also budget-friendly and can easily feed a crowd. Plus, it’s packed with comforting ingredients that appeal to both adults and children alike.

“I made this for a casual family dinner, and it was an instant hit! The combination of flavors and the cheesy top made it feel gourmet without being complicated.” – Happy Home Cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Before we dive into the ingredients, here’s a brief overview of the process. You’ll start by caramelizing onions to build that signature French onion flavor. Then, you’ll incorporate garlic, thyme, and seasonings before toasting the orzo. The dish comes together by simmering in chicken broth, followed by an oven bake topped with gooey cheese. In just a few simple steps, you’ll create a warm, inviting casserole that’s perfect for fall.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this delicious casserole, here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 500g)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta (approx. 270g)
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (600ml)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 250g)
• 1/2 cup shredded gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese, 50g)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100g)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Note: Feel free to substitute the gruyère with a cheese you prefer, as long as it melts well!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat and Prep: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Caramelize Onions: Add the sliced onions and cook for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the butter, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Toast Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet, stirring for 2–3 minutes to lightly toast the pasta.
5. Combine Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the shredded chicken.
6. Cook: Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Cheesy Top: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle gruyère and mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake: Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Best Way to Serve

This casserole shines as a standalone dish, but if you’d like to enhance your meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Crusty bread or garlicky knots are excellent for soaking up any leftover cheesy goodness. For a touch of brightness, pair with roasted seasonal vegetables.

Storage Tips

To ensure the longevity of your leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can safely store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan on keeping it longer, freeze portioned servings for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive moisture.

Pro Chef Tips

• Caramelizing the Onions: Patience is key. Take your time to caramelize the onions slowly for the best flavor; it may take 25–30 minutes, but the results are worth it!
• Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts for a homemade touch.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique twist on the flavor profile.

Creative Twists

Feel free to personalize this casserole! Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase nutrition. To boost flavor, consider a splash of white wine during the onion cooking phase. For a spice kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes could be a delightful addition.

Your Questions Answered

• How long does it take to prepare this dish?
  The total time is about 1 hour, including cooking and baking. The hands-on time is around 30 minutes.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  Yes, while orzo gives a great texture, you can substitute with another small pasta, but cooking times may vary.

• Is this dish freezer-friendly?
  Absolutely! Just make sure it cools completely before freezing. Portion it out for easy reheating later.

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience wrapped in layers of comforting flavors. Give it a try this fall, and savor the taste of home!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

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Description

A warm and cozy casserole featuring the rich flavors of French onion soup, tender chicken, and creamy orzo, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 500g)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta (approx. 270g)
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (600ml)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 250g)
• 1/2 cup shredded gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese, 50g)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100g)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a large oven-safe skillet with olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the butter, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper; cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the uncooked orzo and stir for 2–3 minutes to lightly toast the pasta.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the shredded chicken.
6. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and sprinkle the gruyère and mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Caramelizing the onions well enhances the flavor significantly. Feel free to substitute the cheeses to your preference.

• 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: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

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