Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
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; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

Description

A cozy, rich casserole that combines French onion soup flavors with orzo and chicken, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

Instructions

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 about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1-2 minutes.
Mix in the orzo and toast it for about 2 minutes, then add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Combine well.
Add the chicken broth and cream to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan, mixing until melted and creamy.
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 bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For the best flavor, take your time caramelizing the onions. This develops the dish’s deep, sweet flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

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