French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
A comforting dish that combines the flavors of French onion soup with tender orzo and shredded chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Casserole
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
Caramelizing 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 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- 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.
Cooking the Casserole
- Add the chicken broth and cream.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Adding Cheese
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serving
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
To store, let the casserole cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings. For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth if you have it. Be patient when caramelizing the onions to develop the rich flavor of the dish.