Description
A heartwarming casserole that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the comforting essence of classic French onion soup.
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
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- 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. Add the minced garlic in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Toast the orzo: Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, letting it lightly toast.
- Mix in the chicken: Add the shredded chicken, thyme, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in the liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Add the cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Just refrigerate before baking; it may need additional baking time if baked directly from the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, French onion, chicken, orzo, comfort food