Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
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)

Description

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

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 (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)

Instructions

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