French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Ah, my dear friend! Let me share with you one of my absolute favorites: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. There’s something about the rich aroma of caramelized onions mingling with the comforting embrace of chicken and creamy goodness that makes me feel like I’m wrapped in a warm hug. I remember the first time I tried a similar dish at a cozy little bistro in Paris, and I simply had to recreate it at home. This recipe has seen many iterations in my kitchen, and now, it’s become a staple. It’s perfect for family gatherings, or a weeknight dinner, and trust me, it always leaves a crowd-pleasing smile on everyone’s face!

Why you’ll love this recipe

You see, what makes this casserole shine is its glorious combination of textures and flavors. Imagine biting into the tender orzo that perfectly soaks up the savory broth, mingling with shredded rotisserie chicken—easy to grab from the store—while the caramelized onions lend a sweet, earthy depth to each spoonful. It’s like enjoying a French onion soup but in a comforting casserole style!

This dish is not just tasty; it’s nourishing, too. The warmth of the broth and cream soothes the soul, making it a beautiful remedy for rainy days or time spent with loved ones. Plus, it’s relatively simple to make. After some initial prep, you can relax while it bakes, letting the oven work its magic.

Key ingredients overview

Let’s gather the ingredients, shall we?

• Unsalted Butter & Olive Oil: The perfect pairing to caramelize the onions to a stunning golden brown—adds richness and flavor.
• Yellow Onions: You’ll need two large ones, thinly sliced. Sweet and savory, they are the heart of this dish.
• Sugar & Salt: Just a teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt help coax out the natural sweetness in the onions.
• Garlic: Three cloves, minced—because garlic makes everything better!
• Orzo Pasta: A delightful pasta that cooks to a tender, dreamy texture while soaking up all the flavors.
• Shredded Chicken: Two cups of rotisserie chicken make this dish a breeze to whip up. Easy-peasy!
• Dried Thyme & Pepper: Herbs de provence are your friends here; they bring that aromatic magic.
• Chicken Broth & Heavy Cream: Two cups of broth and one cup of cream create a luscious sauce that binds everything beautifully. You can even swap heavy cream for half and half if you’re looking for a lighter twist!
• Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: You’ll want a blend of these glorious cheeses. It gives the casserole that gooey, cheesy topping that we all adore!
• Worcestershire or Balsamic Glaze: Optional, but a dash of either adds an unexpected depth that elevates the dish.

Preparing French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how this magic comes together in delightful steps:

1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in those sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re deeply golden and deliciously caramelized. Make sure to add the minced garlic just 1–2 minutes before they’re done. That burst of garlic flavor? Pure gold!

2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Now, stir in 1 ½ cups of orzo and allow it to toast for about 2 minutes, just enough to lend a nice nuttiness. Then add in 2 cups of shredded chicken, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, splash in the Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

3. Pour in the Liquids: Next, add in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring this delightful mix to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover it up, and cook for about 8–10 minutes. Give it a stir now and then until the orzo is perfectly tender.

4. Add the Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until everything is wonderfully melted and creamy. Oh, the smell at this stage—heavenly!

5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer your creation to the oven, sprinkling the beloved ½ cup mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until it’s bubbly and gloriously golden.

6. Serve: Let your casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. For a dash of color, feel free to garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before diving in!

Best way to enjoy it

This dish is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round it out, pair it with a light, crisp salad or some roasted vegetables. A nice glass of white wine or some sparkling water with cucumber slices would complement the flavors beautifully. It’s comfort food at its finest, and trust me, your family will be singing your praises!

How to store and freeze

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole keeps beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through, or microwave it in intervals, stirring occasionally.

Craving to extend its lifespan? This casserole freezes well too! Just place it in a freezer-safe dish before baking, and it can chill there for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.

Helpful cooking tips

• When caramelizing onions, patience is key! It’s tempting to rush, but let them take their time to develop that deep flavor.
• If you have fresh thyme on hand, go ahead and use it instead of dried. Just remember, the flavor of fresh herbs can be more potent.
• Feel free to customize: add a splash of white wine when sauteing the onions for a sophisticated twist.

Creative Twists

Looking to mix things up? Consider swapping out the rotisserie chicken for leftover turkey if you’ve got it; it gives a nice holiday vibe! You can also add a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrition, or for those who love a bit of spice, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes.

Common questions

• How long does this take to prepare? All in, you’re looking at about 50 minutes—so it’s perfect for weeknight dinners!
• Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! Gouda or Gruyère would be fabulous options for flavor.
• What’s the best way to reheat this? The oven is best for getting that crispy top back, but microwave works too for speed!
• Is there a vegetarian version? Definitely! Swap the chicken for mushrooms and add some beans for protein.
• How can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free orzo and check that your broth and sauce are also gluten-free!

It’s time to get into the kitchen and try this magnificent dish! You’ll not only enjoy every delightful bite but also forge lovely memories, whether it’s feeding your family or impressing friends. I can’t wait to hear about your experience or any little twists you try. Let’s get cooking!

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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Cooking Method: Simmering Cuisine: French Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 60 hrs

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 600

Best Season: All seasons

Description

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, shredded chicken, and creamy orzo pasta, topped with gooey cheese for a satisfying and nourishing dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 2 large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta
• 2 cups Shredded Rotisserie Chicken
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 2 cups Low-sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (Can substitute with half and half)
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional)

Instructions

Preparation Steps

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, and cook for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re deeply golden and caramelized. Add the minced garlic just 1–2 minutes before they’re done.
   Mark as complete

2. Add Orzo and Chicken

   Stir in the orzo and toast for about 2 minutes. Then, add shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce if desired.
   Mark as complete

3. Pour in the Liquids

   Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
   Mark as complete

4. Add the Cheese

   Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
   Mark as complete

5. Bake the Casserole

   Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the mixture to the oven, sprinkling additional mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

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

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 90mg30%

Sodium 700mg30%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 70g24%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 5g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 6 mg

Calcium 400 mg

Iron 1.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1.5 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.3 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 400 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.4 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* 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

For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream for half and half.

Keywords: French onion, chicken, orzo, casserole, comfort food