I love making French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole on cozy nights when I want something warm and comforting. This dish blends the rich flavors of caramelized onions with tender chicken and creamy orzo for a delightful meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for family dinners or when entertaining friends.
My dad, James, used to make a version of this dish, filling our home with delicious smells. When I made it last week, I felt like he was right there in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands as I stirred and tasted.
Your Ingredients List
- 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 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)
My Go-To Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven.
- Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes of the onion cooking.
- Add the orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
- Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
To lighten this dish, consider using half and half in place of heavy cream. You can also sneak in some veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrients. For a gluten-free option, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or use quinoa instead.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I love to serve this casserole with a side salad or some steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. A warm piece of crusty bread also complements the dish beautifully. For an added touch, I sometimes drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top right before serving. It adds a nice tang!
Getting It Just Right
The key to perfect caramelized onions is patience. Take your time cooking them on medium heat; this lets their natural sweetness come out. Also, make sure to stir often to avoid burning. The bubbling in the oven should create a lovely golden crust on top, so keep an eye on it during those last few minutes!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Enjoy Every Moment
Cooking is all about enjoying the experience. Take your time, have fun, and remember, the best part is sharing these delicious moments with the people you love.
A Few Common Questions
What can I substitute for orzo in the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole?
You can use quinoa or any small pasta shape, like ditalini or couscous, as an alternative to orzo. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose to ensure it cooks properly.
Can I use raw chicken instead of shredded chicken in the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just cut it into small pieces and add them when you add the orzo. Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long does the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole stay good in the fridge?
The casserole will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored properly in an airtight container. Just reheat when you are ready to enjoy it again!
Print
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Medium Calorie
Description
A warm and comforting casserole blending caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo, perfect for family dinners or gathering friends.
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 lighter option)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven.
- Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes of the onion cooking.
- Add the orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
- Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lighter option, use half and half instead of heavy cream. You can also add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: casserole, French onion, chicken, comfort food, orzo