French onion chicken orzo casserole is a comforting dish that welcomes you with warm, savory flavors and creamy textures. This one-pot meal blends the familiar taste of French onion soup with tender chicken and orzo pasta, creating a satisfying casserole that’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to cozy gatherings. The caramelized onions shine through, providing a rich depth of flavor while the gooey cheese adds that irresistible pull that we all love in a casserole!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550
- Protein: 28 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams per serving
- Fat: 28 grams per serving
- Fiber: 3 grams per serving
- Sugar: 4 grams per serving
- Sodium: 650 mg per serving
Why Make This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
This French onion chicken orzo casserole is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. It combines the richness of creamy sauce and the comforting flavors of caramelized onions, making it a perfect dish for family dinners. The playful combination of textures—from the soft orzo to the crispy, cheesy top—makes each bite delightful! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, saving both time and effort in meal prep.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Step 1: Preparation
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 large yellow onions that you’ve thinly sliced, along with 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook this mixture for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become deeply golden and caramelized. Add 3 minced garlic cloves during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
Step 2: Mixing
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of orzo pasta into the caramelized onions and let it cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast. Then, add in 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken—using rotisserie chicken makes it easier—and season with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if you want to deepen the flavor. Mix everything together well.
Step 3: Cooking
Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream (you can swap this with half and half for a lighter option). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Step 4: Finishing
Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses melt and the casserole turns creamy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top. Bake the casserole uncovered for 10–15 minutes until it becomes bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Serve this delightful casserole warm from the oven, paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also add crusty bread on the side for a great way to scoop up the cheesy goodness!
How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave it for a couple of minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
- For more flavor, try using homemade chicken broth.
- Don’t rush the caramelization step; it’s crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor.
- If you’d like a bit more texture, add a cup of frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
- For a richer taste, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyere or cheddar.
- Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking—it can go from golden to burnt quickly!
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian dish.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley into the mix for a fragrant twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes! While orzo is best for this recipe, small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini rigatoni would also work well.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, whole milk, or even cashew cream can be used for a lighter version.
3. Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole but it’s best to do so before baking. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake as directed.
4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Opt for gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
5. What sides pair well with this casserole?
A light salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make fantastic companions to this dish!
Conclusion
There’s no better way to enjoy a cozy meal than with this French onion chicken orzo casserole. Its creamy texture combined with the warm, robust flavors ensures a dish everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family or taking a meal to a friend, this casserole will surely impress and satisfy. So roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A comforting one-pot casserole blending French onion soup flavors with tender chicken and orzo pasta, topped with gooey cheese.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt; cook for 20-25 minutes until caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in orzo and toast for 2 minutes. Then add shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce; mix well.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, use homemade chicken broth. Consider adding frozen peas for texture during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
