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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/french-onion-chicken-orzo-casserole-recipe/