French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

why make this recipe

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo pasta in one easy-to-make casserole. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. With its cheesy topping and warm flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

how to make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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 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)

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 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 and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.

3. Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and 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. Mix until melted and creamy.

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

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

how to serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Serve the casserole warm, straight from the oven, and enjoy it with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

how to store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

tips to make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onions.
• Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking.
• To save time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables.

Serving Ideas

Pair this casserole with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish. You can also top it with extra cheese or fresh herbs before serving for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a delicious and easy recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your table. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy its savory goodness and make it a new favorite in your home!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta?
   Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary.

2. How can I make this dish lighter?
   Use half and half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.

3. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. Just extend the baking time if it’s straight from the fridge.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting casserole that combines caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo pasta, topped with cheese and baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, French

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For sautéing onions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing onions
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar To aid in caramelization
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cloves garlic, 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
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Optional: for added depth

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
3. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1-2 minutes.

Combining Ingredients

1. Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast.
2. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.

Cooking

1. Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

Baking

1. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Serving

1. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onions. Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking. To save time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables. Pair this casserole with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish. Consider topping it with extra cheese or fresh herbs before serving for added flavor.