French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
A warm and comforting dish that combines the flavors of French onion soup with chicken and orzo pasta.
Ingredients
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 cloves garlic minced
For the Casserole
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
Add Cheese
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
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.
Serve
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
Make sure to slice the onions thinly for even caramelization. Stir the mixture gently to avoid breaking the orzo. Feel free to use other types of cheese like Gruyère or cheddar for different flavors. For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream. You can customize this casserole by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.