Description

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting, rich one-pan dish combining caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and creamy orzo pasta. Enhanced with herbs, garlic, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, this casserole offers the deep flavors of French onion soup in a hearty, family-friendly meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Onion Base

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

Main Ingredients

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)

Cheese and Optional Additions

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: 1 cup for mixture, 1/2 cup for topping)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for added depth)

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. During the last 1 to 2 minutes, add the minced garlic and stir to combine.
Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Then add the cooked shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Pour in Liquids: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes creamy and the cheese is melted completely.
Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
Substitute half and half for heavy cream if you want a lighter dish.
The optional Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze adds a subtle tangy depth but can be omitted.
Make sure to stir occasionally during caramelizing onions to prevent burning.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before baking.
This casserole can be reheated well and makes excellent leftovers.

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

Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, orzo casserole, comfort food, one-pan meal, caramelized onions, creamy chicken dinner