Description
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and shredded chicken with creamy orzo pasta and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a comforting one-dish meal with a golden cheesy crust baked to perfection, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
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
For the Pasta and Chicken
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)
Liquids and Cheese
- 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, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize 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, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking to release its aroma.
- Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir the orzo into the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb flavors. Then add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Pour in Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the orzo cooks until tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan until the cheeses melt smoothly, creating a creamy texture throughout the casserole filling.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, adding a delicious crust to the dish.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting step helps the casserole set for easier serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute half and half for the heavy cream to reduce calories slightly.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Using rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation and adds extra flavor.
- For a deeper flavor, Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze are optional but recommended additions.
- Ensure the skillet or Dutch oven used is oven-safe to cook the dish completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Keywords: French onion chicken, orzo casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, chicken dinner, cheesy pasta bake, caramelized onion, easy family meal
