Description

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting, savory dish combining caramelized onions with tender shredded chicken and creamy orzo pasta. Baked to perfection with rich Gruyère and mozzarella cheese, this skillet casserole delivers deep French onion flavors in a hearty, creamy meal perfect for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Onions

2 large yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced (about 5–6 cups sliced)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt, divided (½ tsp at start, ½ tsp later)
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar (optional, helps promote browning)
Optional flavor boosters: 1–2 tbsp dry white wine, ½ tsp balsamic vinegar, ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

Casserole Base

1 ½ cups uncooked orzo
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover roasted)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme or 1½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
½ tsp onion powder
Additional salt & pepper, to taste

Cheese Topping

1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan (for browning and sharpness)

Optional Garnishes

Fresh thyme sprigs
Chopped parsley
Crispy fried onions
A drizzle of cream or a dollop of sour cream
Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until butter is melted and foamy. Add all sliced onions and sprinkle with ½ tsp salt. Stir occasionally as onions soften and release moisture for 5–8 minutes until translucent. Reduce heat to medium-low, optionally add sugar, and stir every few minutes to allow onions to brown deeply without burning for 20–35 minutes until jammy and golden brown. Deglaze with 1–2 tbsp white wine, balsamic vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce if using, and cook until liquid reduces. Season with remaining ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and add garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Toast the Orzo: Add uncooked orzo directly to the caramelized onions and stir to coat in the butter and onion mixture. Toast the orzo for 1–2 minutes until it smells nutty, which helps improve texture and prevents mushiness.
Add Liquids, Chicken, and Seasonings: Pour in beef broth and chicken broth, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in heavy cream, then fold in shredded cooked chicken evenly. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, onion powder, and black pepper to taste. Adjust salt if necessary after tasting the broth.
Simmer the Mixture: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the casserole to a gentle simmer, just bubbling softly around the edges. Avoid a rolling boil. Once simmering, turn off the heat.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and place in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes until orzo is tender, creamy, and most of the liquid is absorbed. If still watery, bake uncovered for an additional 3–5 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Optionally add Parmesan for extra browning and flavor. Bake additional 5–7 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.
Serve and Garnish: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, chopped parsley, crispy fried onions, a drizzle of cream or sour cream, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole.

Notes

Caramelizing onions properly is key for deep flavor; be patient and cook low and slow.
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor, or any cooked shredded chicken.
Deglazing the pan helps prevent burnt bits and adds complexity to the flavor.
To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Optional Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty contrast and promotes a beautifully browned cheese top.
This recipe can be made ahead to the simmer step, then covered and refrigerated before baking.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat nicely.
For gluten-free, ensure orzo is certified gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free pasta.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-American

Keywords: French Onion Chicken Casserole, Orzo Casserole, Baked Chicken Pasta, Caramelized Onion Recipes, Comfort Food, One Skillet Dinner