French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
A comforting and satisfying casserole featuring caramelized onions, hearty chicken, and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Optional Vegetarian
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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized. Stir in garlic in the last 1–2 minutes.
- Add orzo and chicken: Stir in orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast. Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.
- Pour in liquids: Add chicken broth and cream, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
Take your time caramelizing the onions for the best flavor. For a lighter dish, use half and half instead of heavy cream. This recipe is customizable with different cheeses or proteins.