French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A Comforting Dish for Any Occasion

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic French onion soup, merging flavors that are deeply satisfying and utterly comforting. I stumbled upon this recipe on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became my go-to solution for a hearty family dinner. With aromatic caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo, it’s the kind of dish that wow’s everyone with minimal effort. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home, this casserole embodies warmth and nostalgia, making it an instant favorite.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for several reasons, making it a fantastic choice for your next meal! Firstly, it’s incredibly straightforward and budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special get-together. The combination of flavors—from the rich onion sweetness to the creamy texture of the orzo—will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

“This is the ultimate comfort food! My family loves the creamy texture and the hint of thyme—it’s a hit every time I make it!” – Happy Home Chef

Preparing French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Making this casserole is a breeze! You’ll start by caramelizing onions, a step that develops deep flavor and sweetness. Then, you’ll mix in orzo and shredded chicken before adding your creamy broth. Simply pour everything into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. It’s an easy process that results in a dish that appears far more sophisticated than the effort required to make it.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to create this comforting casserole:

• 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 wonderfully)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or use 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 Directions

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 beautifully golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic for the last 1–2 minutes.

2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo and allow it to toast lightly for about 2 minutes. Next, add the cooked shredded chicken along with thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you’re using it. Mix everything well.

3. Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Raise the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.

4. Incorporate the Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan. Mix until the cheeses melt and create a creamy consistency.

5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

6. Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Feel free to garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a touch of color!

Tips for Serving

Now that your casserole is ready, how should you serve it? This dish goes exceptionally well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. If you want to elevate the meal, consider pairing it with a light white wine or a sparkling water infused with lemon and mint. The richness of the casserole benefits beautifully from the freshness of these sides.

How to Store

If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to come by!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly for freezing.

Pro Chef Tips

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for good quality chicken broth and cheese. They significantly contribute to the overall flavor.
• Caramelized Onions are Key: Don’t rush this step! The deeper the color, the more flavor you’ll unlock.
• Customize the Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite, like Gruyère or fontina for a gourmet twist.

Creative Twists

Looking to shake things up a bit? Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra depth and nutrition. If you want a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like zucchini or add chickpeas for protein.

Helpful FAQs

How long will this casserole take to prepare?

From start to finish, you’ll spend about 45 minutes making this luscious casserole, so it’s perfect for a weeknight meal!

Can I use any other type of pasta?

While orzo is the star of this recipe, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells if that’s what you have on hand.

Is it safe to freeze leftover casserole?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooled completely, then pack it tightly. It will be safe to freeze for up to 2 months.

With such a delicious and simple recipe, French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is bound to become a beloved staple in your household. Enjoy cooking and eating!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful twist on classic French onion soup, this casserole combines aromatic caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo for a comforting family dinner.

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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
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 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 until golden and caramelized. Stir in minced garlic for the last 1–2 minutes.
2. Stir in orzo and toast lightly for about 2 minutes. Add cooked shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
3. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, raise the heat to bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
4. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan. Mix until melted and creamy.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over casserole. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. Can be customized with additional vegetables or spices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

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