French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

When the weather turns cooler, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a comforting casserole. The French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is one recipe that stands out, bringing together the rich flavors of caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy mozzarella in a warm, hearty dish. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen; it effortlessly combines classic French onion soup with a filling format that makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. Whether you’re serving it to family or entertaining friends, this casserole is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Making It

This recipe isn’t just about flavors; it’s a medley of convenience and comfort. Here’s what makes it special:

• Quick Preparation: In about an hour, you can prepare a complete meal that feels gourmet but doesn’t require hours of fuss in the kitchen.
• Kid-approved: The cheesy, savory profile of this casserole is generally a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a go-to choice for family dinners.
• Budget-Friendly: With rotisserie chicken as a shortcut and a handful of pantry staples, you can whip this up without breaking the bank.

“Absolutely delicious! My whole family loved it, especially the cheesy topping!” – A satisfied home cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is straightforward and involves just a few steps. Here’s how it goes:

1. Caramelize the onions: This step develops deep flavors, adding that essential sweetness.
2. Combine with orzo and chicken: The orzo cooks while absorbing the savory broth, creating a cohesive dish.
3. Add your creamy elements: This is where you bring everything together with rich cream and cheese.
4. Bake it: Finish it off in the oven for that golden, bubbly top.

With this process in mind, let’s gather our ingredients.

Gather Your Ingredients

Everything You Need for This Recipe

• 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 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

Ingredients Note

Feel free to switch out the chicken for leftover turkey post-holidays or explore different cheese combinations to suit your taste.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cooking Steps

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 golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.

2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing it to toast lightly. Mix in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you choose to add it.

3. Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream to the mixture. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot. Let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

4. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella 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 cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

6. Serve: Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Best Way to Serve

This casserole stands beautifully on its own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few creative ideas:

• Pair it with a crisp green salad: A light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette nicely balances the richness of the casserole.
• Add a side of crusty bread: Perfect for sopping up that creamy goodness!
• Wine pairings: A chilled Chardonnay complements the dish’s flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips

Keeping French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Fresh Longer

If you find yourself with leftovers (if that ever happens!), here are some smart storage strategies:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just ensure it is well-covered to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Bake in the oven until warmed through for the best texture and flavor.

Helpful Hints

For those looking to enhance their casserole experience:

• Use high-quality cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded.
• Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish. Try adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
• If in a hurry: Use precooked chicken to cut down on time.

Recipe Variations

Do you want to make this dish your own? Here are a few creative spins:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite mixed vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a flavorful twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for some added heat.
• Cheesy Variations: Swap out the mozzarella for Gruyère for a more traditional French onion soup flavor.

Your Questions Answered

Common Questions

• What is the prep time for this dish?
  Prep time typically takes about 15-20 minutes, while cooking and baking take about 30-40 minutes.

• Can I use whole wheat orzo?
  Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo can be a nutritious substitute; just keep in mind it may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

• How do I know when the casserole is done?
  It should be golden brown on top and bubbly when you take it out of the oven. Let it sit to set a bit before serving.

With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is sure to become a beloved dish in your household. Enjoy the cooking process, and relish in the delightful warmth it brings to the table!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Comfort Food

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Description

A comforting casserole combining caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy mozzarella in a warm, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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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 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. 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 golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
2. Add orzo and chicken: Stir in the orzo and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing it to toast lightly. Mix in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
3. Pour in liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream to the mixture. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot. Let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
4. Add cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella 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 cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Serve: Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Feel free to switch out the chicken for leftover turkey or explore different cheese combinations to suit your taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

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