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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 6 reviews

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting one-pan dish that combines caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and creamy orzo pasta baked with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a rich and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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 (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 thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes to release its aroma without burning.
  2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook it for about 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast in the mixture. Then add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Pour in Liquids: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  4. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted and the casserole becomes creamy. Mix thoroughly to integrate the cheeses evenly throughout the dish.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  6. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Using rotisserie chicken saves time, but leftover roast or poached chicken works well too.
  • For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half and half.
  • The optional Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze adds added depth and umami but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • Make sure to stir occasionally during caramelizing to avoid burnt onions.
  • This casserole can be prepared up to the baking step and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if chilled.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, orzo casserole, baked chicken pasta, comfort food casserole, easy dinner recipe

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