French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines rich caramelized onions with tender chicken and creamy orzo pasta for a comforting, flavorful meal. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels both elegant and satisfying.

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 to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the casserole is 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

• Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter casserole with less richness.
• Adding Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze enhances the caramelized onion flavor and adds depth.
• For extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy topping.
• Leftover rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick and easy to prepare.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the casserole has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Orzo works best for the creamy texture, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 86 reviews

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and creamy orzo pasta baked with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The rich, savory flavors reminiscent of classic French onion soup merge perfectly with a hearty casserole, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or cozy nights.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base 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

Pasta and Protein

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)

Seasonings and Liquids

• 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
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze for added depth

Cheeses

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking for added flavor.
2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it, enhancing its nuttiness. Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix everything well to combine the flavors evenly.
3. Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and heavy cream (or half and half). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the flavorful liquids.
4. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt into a creamy, cohesive sauce integrating with the orzo and chicken.
5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, adding a delightful texture contrast.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy this rich and satisfying dish.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half and half or a lower-fat milk option.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor or cook your own shredded chicken in advance.
• Be patient when caramelizing onions to develop deep, rich flavor; avoid rushing this step by increasing heat.
• Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven to seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven.
• Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze is optional but adds a wonderful depth to the savory profile.
• Allowing the casserole to rest before serving improves texture and flavor melding.

Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, orzo casserole, caramelized onion chicken bake, cheesy chicken pasta bake, comfort food casserole