Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, a delightful fusion of classic French onion soup flavors in a creamy, cheesy casserole. This one-pan wonder features rich caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and orzo pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce topped with gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. Easy to prepare and make-ahead friendly, this dish promises to impress both kids and adults alike with its satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt; cook until golden brown (20–25 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for the last 2 minutes.
- Add orzo to the skillet; toast for 2 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream; simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Mix in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg