French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich, indulgent flavors of French onion soup with the comforting, creamy texture of orzo pasta. When I first tasted this dish, my kitchen instantly filled with a warm, savory aroma that transported me back to my childhood, where homemade meals brought families together. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of caramelized onions and gooey cheese makes every bite a comfort food dream come true.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This dish has so much to offer—you might even wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner. Firstly, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Utilizing rotisserie chicken means you can whip it up quickly without sacrificing flavor or quality. The caramelized onions bring a depth that elevates the orzo and chicken, making it suitable for not just casual dinners, but also family gatherings or even holiday feasts.

"This casserole is a game changer! It’s so easy to make and brings everyone together at the dinner table. My kids couldn’t get enough of it!" – A happy home chef

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is straightforward and rewarding. You will start by caramelizing onions to build the rich flavor base, then add the orzo and chicken for a hearty mix. Finally, you bring it all together with cheese and bake to perfection. This dish is a single-pot wonder, which means less cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy your creation.

What You’ll Need

To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following 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 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)

Feel free to customize it! Think about using herbs like rosemary or adding sautéed mushrooms for an extra dimension.

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 about 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, cooking for 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Then, add in the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.

3. Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

4. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.

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

6. Serve: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. For a beautiful touch, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Best Way to Serve

The French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is splendid on its own, but consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the casserole. Enjoying a glass of white wine, such as chardonnay, can also enhance the experience.

Storage Tips

To keep your casserole fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Ideally, consume it within 3–4 days. Reheating in the oven is recommended to retain its creamy texture; alternatively, you can use the microwave. If you want to freeze it, portion it into individual servings and make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Pro Chef Tips

• Caramelizing Onions: Be patient—slow and steady is key to achieving that deep golden color. Stir occasionally but let them sit long enough to develop flavor.
• Cream Substitute: If you want a lighter version, half and half can work wonders without compromising the creamy consistency.
• Experiment With Toppings: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add an unexpected twist!

Creative Twists

Turn this classic dish into your own signature meal! Consider adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra nutrient boost. If you’re looking for a bit of spice, try incorporating chopped jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas—there are endless possibilities!

Common Questions

• How long does it take to prepare this dish?
  It typically takes about 30 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

• Can I use any type of pasta?
  Orzo works beautifully here, but you can use other small pastas like ditalini or farfalle if that’s what you have on hand.

• What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
  Reheating in the oven will keep the casserole creamy. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it from drying out.

Enjoy crafting this delicious French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole! Your family—and your taste buds—will thank you.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting casserole that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with creamy orzo pasta and shredded chicken.

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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 (for added depth)

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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 about 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, cooking for 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Then, add in the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.
3. Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
4. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
6. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3–4 days.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

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