French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and a creamy texture. It brings together the classic taste of French onion soup with hearty chicken and orzo pasta. If you’re looking for a delicious meal that can feed a family or serve as leftovers, this casserole is perfect. It’s easy to make, and its delightful mix of ingredients creates a warming meal that everyone will love.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons why you should try making French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. First, it is a one-pot dish, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward. This makes it great for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.

Second, the blend of caramelized onions and garlic gives this casserole a deep, savory flavor that is sure to impress your family or guests. The addition of shredded chicken adds protein, making it a well-rounded meal.

Lastly, this dish is versatile. You can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether you use leftover rotisserie chicken or opt for a different blend of cheese, you can customize it to fit your taste.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Making this delicious casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully for a perfect dish that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

To prepare this comforting casserole, you will need the following 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 a lighter option)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for added depth)

Directions

Caramelize the Onions

1. Start by melting the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Once melted, add the sliced yellow onions, sugar, and salt.
3. Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. You want them to become deeply golden and caramelized.
4. In the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, stir in the minced garlic for an aromatic boost.

Add Orzo and Chicken

5. After the onions are caramelized, add the orzo pasta to the skillet.
6. Cook the orzo for 2 minutes, letting it lightly toast in the pan.
7. Then, add the cooked shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you are using it. Mix everything well to combine.

Pour in Liquids

8. Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
9. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
10. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender.

Add Cheese

11. Once the orzo is tender, stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
12. Mix well until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy.

Bake the Casserole

13. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
14. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
15. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve

16. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken a little bit, making it easier to serve.
17. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is best served warm right out of the oven. You can pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A side of crusty bread is also a good option. This can soak up any delicious sauce left on the plate.

How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If the casserole seems a little dry, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.

Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

• Choose the Right Onions: Yellow onions are preferred for their sweetness. They will caramelize beautifully and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Don’t Rush the Caramelization: Allow the onions to cook slowly to develop their deep flavor. Stir occasionally, and make sure they don’t burn.

• Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are delicious, you can try other cheeses like cheddar or Gruyere for a different flavor profile.

• Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time. You can prepare it, cover it, and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight out of the fridge.

Variation

You can easily customize this casserole to fit your or your family’s preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to maintain flavor and substance.

• Add Spices: Include spices like paprika or Italian seasoning to give it an extra kick.

• Different Pasta: If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use uncooked chicken in this dish?

Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Simply chop it into small pieces and add it to the skillet after caramelizing the onions. Make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the liquids.

2. Is it possible to freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.

3. Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or even low-fat milk if you want a lighter version of this dish. Just know it may alter the creaminess slightly, but it will still be tasty.

With these guidelines and tips, you can prepare a delicious French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole that will warm you up on any day. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends for a lovely meal filled with rich flavors!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting one-pot casserole that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with shredded chicken and orzo pasta for a delightful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: French, Mediterranean

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Onions

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced Preferred for their sweetness
• 1 teaspoon sugar Helps caramelize the onions
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Added at the end for aroma

For the Casserole

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Rotisserie chicken works best
• 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 a lighter option
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Optional for added flavor

Method

 

Caramelize the Onions

1. Melt the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt to the skillet.
3. Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply golden and caramelized.
4. In the last 1-2 minutes, stir in the minced garlic.

Add Orzo and Chicken

1. Add the orzo pasta to the caramelized onions and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Mix in the shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).

Pour in Liquids

1. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Once simmering, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally until orzo is tender.

Add Cheese

1. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top of the casserole.
3. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use yellow onions and allow them to caramelize slowly. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses or add vegetables for a vegetarian option.