French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe
A rich and comforting French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combining deeply caramelized onions, tender orzo pasta, shredded chicken, and a creamy cheese blend, baked to golden perfection. This hearty dish offers layers of savory flavor and creamy texture, perfect for a cozy family meal.
- 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
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 works well)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)
Liquids and Cheese
- 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
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. Add the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking and stir to combine.
- Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Then add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
- Pour in Liquids and Simmer: Add the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. 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.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the oven and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute half and half for heavy cream for a lighter dish.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to avoid sticking.
- For extra depth, Worcestershire sauce or a splash of balsamic glaze enhances the caramelized flavors.
- This dish can be prepared in an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven to streamline cooking and baking.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set and makes serving easier.
Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, orzo casserole, comfort food, baked chicken casserole, creamy orzo recipe
