French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Creating a warm and comforting dish is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, and nothing embodies that warmth quite like a hearty casserole. The French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with tender orzo and juicy chicken, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a standout dish for gatherings. With its deliciously creamy texture and cheesy topping, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe shines for several reasons. First off, it brings together the classic flavor of French onion soup in a convenient casserole form, combining comfort and ease. Ideal for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal is not only quick to prepare but also budget-friendly—especially if you use rotisserie chicken. It’s a great way to sneak in protein and serve up a dish that’s sure to impress.

"This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is pure comfort food! The flavors are incredible, and it’s so easy to make. My family loves it!" – A happy home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Cooking this casserole is simple! You’ll start by caramelizing onions for that signature deep flavor, then mix in orzo and chicken, followed by a creamy sauce. Finally, bake it until bubbly and golden. Here’s an overview to prepare you for this delicious adventure.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this magnificent 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 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

Method

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 become deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes for added flavor.

   

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2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo, allowing it to lightly toast for about 2 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Make sure everything is well mixed.

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

4. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is 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, or until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. For a touch of freshness, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Perfect Pairings for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This casserole is perfect on its own, but it pairs fabulously with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or some crispy garlic bread to soak up those creamy flavors. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon rounds out the meal beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

To keep your casserole fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is an option too! Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but be mindful to keep it covered to maintain moisture.

Pro Chef Tips

• Caramelization is Key: Don’t rush the onion caramelization; it’s crucial for deep, rich flavor.
• Prep Ahead: You can caramelize the onions and shred the chicken in advance to save time during the week.
• Cheese Choices: For extra flavor, experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyère or fontina can add a delightful twist!

Creative Twists

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra depth. Alternatively, you could switch up the cheese blend; smoked gouda provides a fantastic smoky flavor. For a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños!

Your Questions Answered

• How long does prep and cook time take? Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 35-40 minutes.
• Can I use a different pasta? Yes! You can substitute with any small pasta like penne or fusilli, but cooking times may vary.
• Is it safe to reheat leftovers? Absolutely; just ensure they’re heated all the way through to at least 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is as comforting as it is delicious, and it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the delicious adventure of making this dish!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Chicken

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Description

A warm and comforting casserole combining the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender orzo and juicy 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
• 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 the onions are caramelized.
2. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
3. Stir in the orzo and allow it to toast for about 2 minutes.
4. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes.
6. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving; garnish with thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half and half. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: casserole, chicken, comfort food, weeknight meal, French onion soup