French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same here. This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is basically the cozy comfort food version of a warm hug with an attitude. It has caramelized onions that sing, cheesy goodness that clings to everything, and orzo that soaks up the savory sauce like it was made for this moment.

If you want a small cheat code for flavor try this simple trick I learned from a neat blog while experimenting with mince and onion combos like a mad scientist french onion mince magic. It does not change the whole recipe but it gives the onions a little je ne sais quoi. Worth it? IMO yes.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

It feels fancy but cooks like a weekday dinner. That means you get all the glory without the drama. Caramelized onions make it taste like you have patience and time even if you binge streamed a show while stirring.

It is comforting, cheesy, and sneaky versatile. Need to use leftover chicken This hits that sweet spot. It is also pretty forgiving so even if you overdo the salt a touch you can rescue it with a splash of cream or extra cheese. In other words it is idiot proof even I did not mess it up the first time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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

Yes these amounts are deliberately chill and practical. Keep the Worcestershire or balsamic optional unless you want to pretend you are a five star chef.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions
   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 20 to 25 minutes stirring occasionally until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Add Orzo and Chicken
   Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes allowing it to lightly toast. Add the shredded chicken thyme pepper and Worcestershire if using. Mix well.

3. Pour in Liquids
   Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low cover and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.

4. Add Cheese
   Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

5. Bake the Casserole
   Preheat oven to 375 F 190 C. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Serve
   Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven rookie mistake. The top will not brown properly if you skip this.
• Rushing the onions. If you skip proper caramelization the whole dish will taste flat. Slow and steady wins the flavor race.
• Adding all the salt at once. Taste after the cheese and broth before committing. You can always add salt but you cannot un-salt.
• Overcooking the orzo. It should be tender but slightly firm. Orzo that turns to mush will make this casserole sad and gloopy.
• Using skim milk and expecting creaminess. Use cream or half and half for the right texture unless you like disappointment.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No rotisserie chicken No problem. Use leftover roasted chicken or shred a couple of poached chicken breasts. Works the same.
• Want lighter dairy Use half and half instead of heavy cream and cut the mozzarella by 1/2 cup. It will still be creamy but less decadent.
• Dairy free Swap in a plant based cream and dairy free cheese for a vegan friendly version. Texture will change but flavor still sings with good caramelized onions.
• No Worcestershire Use a splash of balsamic glaze or a few drops of soy sauce for that savory depth. I prefer Worcestershire but balsamic is a legit swap IMO.
• Want a different cheese Try gruyere or fontina for a nuttier profile. Parmesan stays because it brings that salty umami lift.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Q Will this reheat well
A Yes heat it in the oven at 350 F about 15 to 20 minutes or microwave individual portions for a minute to two. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Q Can I make this ahead of time
A Sure assemble it up to the point of baking then refrigerate for a day. When ready to serve let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes then bake an extra 5 to 10 minutes.

Q Can I use a different pasta
A You can use small pasta shapes but orzo hits the sweet spot by mimicking rice and holding sauce well.

Q Is there a vegetarian option
A Yes skip the chicken and add mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for heft. Consider adding a little vegetable bouillon to boost savory notes.

Q Can I freeze it
A You can freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight then bake a little longer than usual. Texture might soften a bit but flavor stays good.

Q Do I have to bake it
A You can skip the oven and serve straight from the skillet if you want a saucier stovetop version. The oven just gives that lovely golden cheese top.

Q What if I hate onions
A Then this might challenge your life choices But you can reduce the onions or swap for shallots for a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

You just made something that tastes like a hug and looks like you tried hard even if you half watched a show while cooking. This dish scales well so bring it to a potluck or save it for lunches all week. Remember caramelized onions are the secret weapon so give them the time they deserve. Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary prowess You have earned it

Conclusion

If you want a slightly different take check out this cozy version on The Fervent Mama for more notes and visuals French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole.
For a slow cooker approach that yields the same comfort try the Half Baked Harvest adaptation and see if crockpot convenience speaks to you Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo.
If you are curious about adding gruyere or playing with caramelized onion technique take inspiration from this version with caramelized onions and gruyere for more ideas French Onion Chicken and Orzo Caramelized Onions and Gruyere.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A cozy comfort food casserole featuring caramelized onions, shredded chicken, and cheesy orzo pasta.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons 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 or half and half
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

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Instructions

1. 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 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire if using. Mix well.
3. Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
4. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Caramelizing the onions is key for flavor. If using lighter dairy options, adjust the quantity for creaminess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, one pot meal, comfort food, chicken, orzo, French onion