French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with tender chicken and creamy orzo pasta. It’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 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, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and all the Parmesan until melted and creamy.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half and half for the heavy cream.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or cook your own shredded chicken for extra flavor.
• Add a splash of white wine when caramelizing the onions for added depth.
• Try swapping mozzarella for Gruyère to enhance the French onion flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to retain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular orzo with a gluten-free pasta option, ensuring the cooking times are adjusted accordingly.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth for a milder flavor or water with added seasonings, but chicken broth provides the richest depth for this dish.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 99 reviews

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish combining caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and creamy orzo pasta baked with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a bubbly golden finish. Perfect as a hearty weeknight dinner, it marries the sweet intensity of caramelized onions with savory chicken and cheesy goodness.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Onion Base

• 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

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken 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, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for added depth)

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 become deeply golden and caramelized. In the last 1–2 minutes, stir in the minced garlic to enhance the flavor without burning it.
2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about 2 minutes to lightly toast it, which helps enhance its nutty flavor. Then add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Pour in Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
4. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheeses melt completely, creating a creamy, rich texture.
5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired before serving. This gives the dish a lovely fresh note and enhances presentation.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half and half.
• Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but any cooked shredded chicken works well.
• If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, let the onions caramelize longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze is optional but adds depth to the flavor.
• This dish can be made in an oven-safe skillet to reduce dishes, but a Dutch oven or casserole dish also works for baking.
• Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven, but add a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.

Keywords: French Onion Chicken, Orzo Casserole, Comfort Food, Caramelized Onion, Baked Pasta, Shredded Chicken, Mozzarella, Parmesan