French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

There’s something undeniably comforting about gathering around a flavorful casserole, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tried a dish with caramelized onions. It was love at first bite. Now, imagine that rich, sweet flavor combined with tender chicken, creamy goodness, and a splash of savory cheese—all baked until bubbly and golden. That’s precisely what you’re going to whip up when you make this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. It’s become a staple in my home, perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress friends without breaking a sweat.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s talk about what makes this dish truly special. First, the layers of flavor! The caramelized onions give depth, enriching the dish with that lovely sweetness. Then, with the juicy shredded chicken, your orzo absorbs all those savory notes and creaminess from the sauces, creating an explosion of taste with every bite. Plus, who can resist that cheesy topping? It’s the kind of meal that welcomes everyone at the table, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

And here’s the kicker: it’s straightforward! You won’t find yourself juggling a hundred pots and pans. Instead, you’ll make magic in just one skillet. Not to mention, rotisserie chicken is your friend here, saving you time. This casserole is about savoring homemade goodness without any fuss, and your friends will think you slaved away in the kitchen for hours!

Gather these ingredients

To really dial up the flavors in your casserole, you’ll need a few key players:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is your base for sautéing those heavenly onions.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A light drizzle to add some healthy fats and enhance the buttery richness.
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: Sweet and ready to caramelize until golden—this is the star of the show!
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Just a pinch helps accelerate the caramelization, bringing out the natural sweetness of the onions.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season as you go and enhance all those lovely flavors.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh and aromatic, it really elevates the dish when the garlic meets the butter!
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta: Tiny pasta that cooks beautifully in the casserole, soaking up all the goodness.
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie works wonders for a quick and easy option.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements the onion and chicken perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to round out the flavors.
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Essential to add moisture and flavor—go low-sodium to control the salt!
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creamy goodness! Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and stretchy, the key to that bubbly top!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that delicious umami kick.
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze: A secret twist to deepen the flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.

How this recipe comes together

Let’s get a little hands-on, shall we?

1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add your sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Now, let them sizzle for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally—trust me, the wait is so worth it! You’re aiming for deeply golden, melt-in-your-mouth onions. Toss in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes for that aromatic kick.

2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo and allow it to toast lightly for about 2 minutes. Now, toss in the cooked shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you’re using it. Mix everything well—it should smell heavenly at this point!

3. Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream to the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let it cook for about 8–10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally until that orzo is perfectly tender.

4. Add Cheese: It’s the moment we all wait for—stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Beautifully mix until everything is melted and has turned creamy.

5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for about 10–15 minutes—just until it’s bubbly and golden.

6. Serve: After removing it from the oven, let it rest for about 5–10 minutes. This is a good moment to garnish with some fresh thyme or parsley if you like. Such a simple touch adds a pop of color!

Best way to enjoy it

Now that you’ve got your casserole ready to go, how should you serve it? This dish stands beautifully on its own, but don’t hesitate to get creative with your sides! A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette can lighten up the richness of the casserole. Some garlic bread could also complement your feast, soaking up any delicious sauce left on the plate.

If you want to make this meal even heartier, serve it with roasted veggies on the side. Think carrots and broccoli tossed in olive oil and sea salt—simple yet perfect!

Keeping leftovers fresh

I get it; life can be busy. If you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge where it will last for about 3-4 days.

And if you want to prep ahead, consider freezing it! Just ensure it cools down first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Write the date on it; you can freeze it for about 2-3 months. When re-heating, place it in the fridge overnight to thaw before warming it up in the oven at about 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Extra tips and advice

To make this dish even easier, I suggest prepping your ingredients beforehand. Slice your onions the night before if you want to save time, and have your garlic minced and chicken shredded, too. This little insider trick will have you feeling like a pro, ready to whip it all together in a flash!

Feel free to get adventurous with spices! Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat, or swap out the thyme for fresh rosemary for a pungent twist. You can also use other pastas like ditalini or even whole wheat orzo if you’re feeling healthy.

Creative Twists

What if you want to switch things up a little? You can incorporate various veggies—think spinach, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes! Just sauté them alongside your onions. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, why not try swapping out half of the cream for a can of cream of mushroom soup? It’ll add a delightful, earthy flavor.

Bonus Flavor Idea

For those of you who get inspired, try swapping out mozzarella for gouda or a sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor profile. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, throw in a dash of hot sauce right before serving for an unexpected kick!

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

Directions to follow

1. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. 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.
3. Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire if using. Mix well.
4. 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.
5. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
6. 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 bubbly and golden on top.
7. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Your questions answered

1. Can I use uncooked chicken?
   Yes! Just ensure the chicken is cooked through before you add it to the casserole.

2. How long can I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use another pasta?
   Absolutely! Any small pasta shape will do, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

4. Is this dish kid-friendly?
   Totally! Kids adore cheesy casseroles, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, too.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Sure! Swap the chicken for some sautéed mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth for a hearty meatless version.

In preparing this dish, you’re not just making a meal; you’re creating memories. With its warm, inviting aroma and luscious flavors, I hope it brings your family together just as it does for me. Experiment a bit—try your twists or share it as it is. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!

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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Cooking Method: Baking, Sauteing Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Casserole C Comfort Food High Protein M Make Ahead Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 500

Best Season: Fall

Description

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines rich, sweet flavors from caramelized onions with tender, shredded chicken and a creamy, cheesy topping. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends, it's easy to prepare and made in just one skillet.

Ingredients for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Casserole Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing onions)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (to enhance richness)
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (the star ingredient)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to caramelize onions)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt (to season)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (for aroma)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups orzo pasta (small pasta that absorbs flavors)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie preferred)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried thyme (herb that complements flavors)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper (for flavor)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (adds moisture)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for creaminess)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds umami)
• optional Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for additional flavor)

Instructions for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Cooking Steps

1. Caramelize Onions

   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 deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
   Mark as complete

2. 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 thoroughly.
   Mark as complete

3. Pour in Liquids

   Add chicken broth and cream to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender. Stir occasionally.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Cheese

   Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
   Mark as complete

5. Bake Casserole

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 19g95%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 640mg27%

Potassium 350mg10%

Total Carbohydrate 41g14%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 3g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 20 IU

Vitamin C 10 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.4 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Phosphorus 250 mg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This casserole can be made in advance and reheated. Feel free to swap ingredients for your preferences.

Keywords: casserole, chicken, orzo, caramelized onions, comfort food