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. Meet French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole a dish that tastes fancy but cooks like a cozy weeknight dinner. If you want a lighter spin or a different vegetable-packed orzo idea check out this chicken sausage broccoli orzo recipe for inspiration.

This casserole will make your kitchen smell like you worked all day even though you mostly stood by the stove stirring onions and sipping something cold. It is comforting melting cheesy delicious and secretly practical. Ready to level up your comfort food game

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This recipe gives you that French onion vibe without a chef hat or a million steps. The caramelized onions bring deep sweet savory notes and the orzo soaks up the creamy broth like it was born to do that. Want protein No problem toss in rotisserie chicken and you are basically a hero.

It is forgiving and adaptable which means it is idiot proof even I did not mess it up the first time. Plus it reheats like a dream so leftovers feel like a reward not a punishment. Who knew one pot could make so many people happy

Ingredients Youll 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

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 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 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 pepper or a splash more Worcestershire if you want more depth.

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.

7. Optional finishing touch
   Drizzle a tiny bit of balsamic glaze or a few extra grinds of black pepper for drama.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not cooking the onions long enough
  Caramelization takes time so be patient. Rushing this step ruins the flavor base and you will be sad.

• Using too high heat
  Turn the heat down if the onions start to burn. Burnt is bitter not deep sweet.

• Forgetting to toast the orzo
  Toasting gives a slightly nutty layer of flavor and keeps the texture better after baking.

• Skimping on salt
  This dish needs seasoning to sing. Taste and adjust before you bake.

• Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven rookie mistake
  Preheating ensures the top gets that nice golden crust in the time the recipe promises.

Alternatives and Substitutions

• Chicken swap ideas
  No rotisserie chicken No problem use leftover roasted chicken shredded poached chicken or even cubed turkey. I sometimes use shredded pork and it is surprisingly great.

• Dairy options
  Want lighter use half and half instead of heavy cream. Use part skim mozzarella to cut calories. For a richer finish try Gruyere in place of Parmesan IMO worth it if you have it.

• Onion variations
  Use a mix of yellow and sweet onions for extra sweetness. If you love a punch add a small shallot minced with the garlic.

• Gluten free
  Swap the orzo for a similar sized gluten free pasta or use small rice shapes if you have them on hand.

• Extra veg
  Toss in chopped mushrooms or baby spinach in the last few minutes before baking. They wilt right into the creamy orzo and make you feel virtuous.

If you want to read the detailed original recipe notes try the full write up on the main recipe page at French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole recipe which has a few extra tips and variations.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Q Will the orzo get mushy if I bake it
A Not if you follow the timing. Cook to tender not falling apart and you will have creamy baked orzo not mush. If worried remove from stove a touch early it will finish in the oven.

Q Can I make this ahead of time
A Yep make it up to the point before baking then refrigerate. When ready bring to room temp then bake a few extra minutes until bubbly.

Q Can I use margarine instead of butter
A Well technically yes but why hurt your soul like that Stick with butter for real flavor.

Q Is there a vegetarian option
A Sure swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth skip the chicken and add roasted cauliflower or mushrooms for meaty texture.

Q Can I freeze leftovers
A You can but texture changes slightly. Freeze in portions and thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.

Q How long does the casserole keep in fridge
A It keeps well for 3 to 4 days stored in an airtight container. Reheat until steaming hot.

Q Can I make individual portions in ramekins
A Absolutely that is adorable and efficient for single servings. Reduce bake time a little since they heat through faster.

Final Thoughts

You just made a cozy impressive dish with minimal drama. Celebrate that small victory and maybe text someone a brag photo. Leftovers reheat like a champ so you get dinner guilt free again later. Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You have earned it and you are officially allowed to call this comfort food gourmet

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Comfort Food

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Description

A comforting and delicious casserole that combines caramelized onions, orzo, and shredded chicken, all topped with melted cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 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

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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 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 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, pepper, or Worcestershire if 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

For a lighter option, use half and half instead of heavy cream. Can be made in advance and refrigerated before baking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, one pot meal, chicken orzo, easy dinner