French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
This comforting casserole combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken and creamy orzo for a delicious family meal.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 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 added towards the end of caramelization
Main Ingredients
- 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 or balsamic glaze optional for added depth
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 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.
Cooking the Ingredients
- Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast.
- Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.
Building the Casserole
- 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.
- Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
Baking the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serving
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
Allowing the casserole to rest helps it hold together better when serving. Pair with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.