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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Few meals have the power to make everyone at the table go quiet in the best way possible—and this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is one of them. It brings together slow-cooked caramelized onions, tender chicken, and silky orzo pasta in a way that feels like something you'd order at a cozy French bistro, except you made it yourself, in your own kitchen, probably in your pajamas. 
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie works well
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half for lighter option
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze for added depth

Instructions
 

  • Caramelize the Onions
  • Heat the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions along with the sugar and salt, then cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are soft, sweet, and beautifully caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute or two so it becomes fragrant without burning.
  • Add the Orzo and Chicken
  • Add the orzo to the pan and stir for about 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Mix in the shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, if you're using it, until everything is evenly combined.
  • Pour in the Broth and Cream
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Stir in the Cheese
  • Add 1 cup of mozzarella along with the Parmesan cheese, stirring until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is rich, creamy, and smooth.
  • Bake Until Golden
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella over the top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  • Serve and Enjoy
  • Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it can set slightly. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor, if desired.

Notes

 
  • Caramelizing the onions is the heart of this recipe—low heat and patience are what turn them golden and sweet. Don't rush this step. If your skillet isn't oven-safe, simply transfer everything into a greased baking dish before adding the cheese and baking. Leftovers taste even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to settle in together.
 

Nutrition Facts

 
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 34g