French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Oh boy, gather around, my culinary confidant! Today, I’m about to unveil a delightful fusion of flavors that’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you’re trying to impress your dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s right: I’m talking about a mouthwatering French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole that’s both hearty and heartwarming. Here’s the thing; this dish weaves together the rich, comforting vibes of classic French onion soup with the satisfying textures of chicken and orzo. Trust me; it’s a dish that will win over even the silliest of palates!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling casserole where every bite is a warm hug. The caramelized onions lend a sweet, toasty flavor that plays off the richness of the creamy sauce, while tender orzo and savory chicken come together in perfect harmony. Can you imagine that aroma wafting through your kitchen? It’s the definition of comfort food, and it’s loaded with nostalgia. If you’ve ever had French onion soup, you know that deep, savory-sweet flavor profile that dances on your taste buds—it’s all here, but with a delightful twist! Plus, it’s all done in one pot—so less cleanup for you, my friend!

This dish is not only a winner in the flavor department, but it’s also versatile. You can throw in whatever you have lying around—sub in some veggies if you’re feeling healthy or try different cheeses based on what tickles your fancy. Truly, it’s a canvas waiting for your creative splash!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s look at what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Prepare yourself for a glorious roster of flavors:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: The golden elixir that will start our flavor journey. It gives richness and depth to everything we’re about to make.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A little splash of Mediterranean goodness. It helps us caramelize those onions without burning our butter.

• 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced): These little guys are the stars of our show! When caramelized, they become sweet and golden, bringing untold flavor.

• 1 teaspoon sugar: A tiny sprinkle to help push those onions toward golden perfection and enhance their natural sweetness.

• 1/2 teaspoon salt: We’ll season this beautifully, but trust me, you can always adjust the saltiness later if you want.

• 3 garlic cloves (minced): Because what’s cooking without a little love from garlic? Earthy and aromatic, it’s a must.

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta: Mini pasta that soaks up all the soupy goodness and adds a delightful texture.

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken from your favorite deli is perfect for this—quick, easy, and full of flavor!

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: A sprinkle of this herb adds a layer of depth that sings with the onions and chicken.

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a bit of heat, because life is too short for bland dishes!

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This forms the base of our casserole’s liquid, infusing it with additional richness.

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option): The creamy element that makes everything luscious.

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, gooey goodness is essential, and it gives that gooey topping on our casserole!

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A touch of nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the mozzarella.

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze: Just a little something to add extra depth and complexity!

Preparing French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Ready to get your hands a bit messy? Let’s whip up this deliciousness step-by-step:

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 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Don’t rush this step! Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes for that fragrant finish.

2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Toss in the orzo and allow it to toast lightly for about 2 minutes. Then, bring in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire if you’re using it. Mix it all up!

3. Pour in Liquids: Now, it’s time for the star of the show—add in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let cook for 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender.

4. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is melted, creamy, and heavenly.

5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

6. Serve: Give it a few minutes to cool and set. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired. Your masterpiece is ready to be devoured!

Best way to enjoy it

This incredible casserole shines on its own, thanks to the robust flavors packed into every spoonful, but pairing it with a crisp, simple salad can elevate the experience. Think lightly dressed greens with a splash of lemon, maybe some crusty bread for dipping, and you’re golden. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, a splash of red wine can complement those deep flavors beautifully.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store this beauty in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to savor those flavors again, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or toss it in the microwave. Just be sure to cover it to maintain moisture!

Pro chef tips

Here are a few golden nuggets to ensure you nail this recipe like a pro:

• Patience is key with onions—don’t rush the caramelization process; it’s where the magic happens.
• Feel free to mix up the cheese styles—try Gruyère for a more nuanced flavor.
• If you want more veggies, toss in some spinach or mushrooms when you add the chicken.

Creative Twists

Why not shake things up? Try adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or even swap the chicken for cooked sausage or a meat alternative if you’re leanin’ plant-based. For an extra kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can spice things up!

Common questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! Prepare everything up to the baking step and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven to heat through!

2. What can I use if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
   Any cooked chicken will do, or you could even poach some chicken breasts and shred them!

3. Can I use different types of cheese?
   Absolutely! Go for whatever cheese you love. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change depending on what you choose.

4. Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
   You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese for a similar texture.

5. What’s the best way to freeze this dish?
   Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It should last about 2-3 months in the freezer.

This dish is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen at your dinner table. The best part? It’s flexible, forgiving, and perfect for your personal touches. So go ahead, try it out, and let the joy of cooking flourish in your kitchen! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking!

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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Italian-American, Mediterranean Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 65 hrs

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 450

Description

A delicious fusion of French onion soup and chicken orzo, perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Casserole Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (Rotisserie chicken is perfect.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (Use half and half for a lighter option.)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional) (For extra depth and complexity.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Caramelize the Onions

   Melt the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
   Mark as complete

2. Add Orzo and Chicken

   Toss in the orzo and allow it to toast for about 2 minutes. Then, add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.
   Mark as complete

3. Pour in Liquids

   Add chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it all to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and let cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Cheese

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

5. Bake the Casserole

   Preheat oven to 375°F. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve and enjoy!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 14g70%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 550mg16%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 3g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 20 IU

Vitamin C 6 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.3 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 6 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 40 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.2 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

This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, and stored in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat before serving.

Keywords: French Onion, Chicken, Orzo, Casserole, Comfort Food