French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the savory goodness of caramelized onions and tender chicken with the comfort of creamy orzo pasta. This dish is a fantastic weeknight dinner option and is perfect for cozy gatherings. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to delight your family, making it a new favorite in your meal rotation.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What makes French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole a standout choice for dinner is its blend of satisfying flavors and quick preparation time. The dish encapsulates the essence of comforting French onion soup with the added heartiness of chicken and pasta. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that can warm your home on a chilly evening.

This casserole is an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you’re expecting guests. Its budget-friendly ingredients and simple cooking process mean you can whip it up without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.

“A true crowd-pleaser! This casserole has quickly become a favorite in our house. The flavors are incredible, and it’s so easy to throw together!” – Sarah T.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing this delicious casserole involves a few straightforward steps that yield impressive results. First, you’ll start by caramelizing the onions, bringing out their natural sweetness. Then, you’ll mix in the orzo and cooked chicken before adding the creamy liquids. Finally, cheese is folded in and baked to golden perfection. Within about an hour, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to enjoy!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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 chicken works wonderfully)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or use 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 substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option if you prefer, and don’t hesitate to use whatever cooked chicken you have on hand.

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 for the last 1–2 minutes.

2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo and toast lightly for 2 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you’re using it. Mix well.

3. Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes while 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 on top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

6. Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. A side of garlic bread is also an excellent choice, perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy goodness. If you want to elevate your meal, consider serving it with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage Tips

Best Way to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

To keep your casserole fresh longer, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep it for a more extended period, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container—just make sure it’s tightly sealed.

When reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to restore its creamy texture.

Tips and Tricks

Expert Advice

For even more flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while caramelizing the onions. This step enhances the overall taste and depth. Don’t rush the caramelization process; allowing the onions to brown deeply leads to a sweeter, richer flavor that makes this casserole shine.

Creative Twists

Flavor Variations

Feeling adventurous? Spice it up by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. For a kick, a dash of red pepper flakes can add some heat. You can also customize the cheese—swap the mozzarella for Gruyère or fontina for an authentic French twist!

Your Questions Answered

FAQ

1. Can I use uncooked chicken in this casserole?
While it is best to use cooked chicken for convenience, you could use raw chicken by adjusting the cooking time, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

2. Can I pre-make this casserole?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

3. How do I make it gluten-free?
Substituting the orzo for a gluten-free pasta option will make this casserole gluten-free, while still keeping the delicious flavors.

When looking for comfort food, French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole stands out as a delicious, hearty option that brings joy to the table with minimal fuss. Consider adding it to your regular meal plan—you won’t be disappointed!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

---

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free (with substitution)

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting casserole that combines caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners and cozy gatherings.

---

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

---

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 until golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic for the last 1–2 minutes.
2. Add orzo and chicken: Stir in the orzo, toasting lightly for 2 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Mix well.
3. Pour in liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream, bringing to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until 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 oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For more flavor, add a splash of white wine while caramelizing the onions. You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking.

• 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: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, chicken, French onion, comfort food, weeknight dinner