Why Make This Recipe
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with hearty chicken and pasta. This recipe offers the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet easy to prepare. The creamy texture and savory taste make it a family favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, minimizing food waste while maximizing flavor. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the sweet caramelized onions, tender orzo, and gooey cheese. It’s not just a meal; it’s a dish that warms the soul.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for added depth)
Directions
Caramelize the Onions
Melt the Butter and Olive Oil: Start by selecting a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven. Place it over medium heat and add the unsalted butter and olive oil. Allow the butter to melt completely.
Add the Onions: Once the butter is melted, add the thinly sliced onions. Stir them gently to coat them in the butter and oil.
Season: Sprinkle in the sugar and salt, which help to enhance the sweetness of the onions.
Cook until Golden: This is where the magic happens. Let the onions cook for about 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t stick to the pan or burn. You want them to become deep golden brown and caramelized.
Add Garlic: Just before you finish caramelizing the onions, add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly cooked.
Add Orzo and Chicken
Stir in the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pan and toast it lightly for about 2 minutes. This enhances the flavor of the orzo.
Mix in Chicken: Add your shredded chicken into the pan. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover cooked chicken.
Season: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, black pepper, and if desired, Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Combine Ingredients: Gently mix everything together until well combined.
Pour in Liquids
Add Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream.
Bring to Simmer: Increase the heat just a bit to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cover and Cook: Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the orzo cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid. You’re looking for the orzo to be tender and creamy.
Add Cheese
Stir in Cheese: After the orzo is cooked, add in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese directly to the pot.
Mix: Stir well until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. This adds richness to your casserole.
Bake the Casserole
Preheat the Oven: As you prepare the chicken orzo, turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
Top with Cheese: In the same pan, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top of the mixture.
Bake: Place the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10–15 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve
Rest Before Serving: After taking the casserole out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 5–10 minutes. This helps the dish to set slightly.
Garnish: If you desire, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. You can serve it as a standalone dish, but it pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread. The creamy and cheesy mixture is filling, making it perfect for a hearty dinner. You can sprinkle additional herbs like thyme or parsley on top to elevate the presentation.
How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator. Once the casserole has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you wish to keep it for longer, consider freezing the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic provide the best flavor. They are essential to make the dish taste truly delicious.
Avoid Overcooking Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo during cooking. It should be tender but not mushy.
Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Customize the Vegetables: You can add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference.
Variation
For a twist on the classic, consider adding sautéed mushrooms to the mix when you caramelize the onions. This will add an earthy flavor that complements the chicken and cheese beautifully. Another variation is to use whole wheat orzo for a healthier option. If you want a bit of a kick, add some red pepper flakes when mixing in the chicken.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking point, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
While orzo gives a unique texture, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes, like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make it lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or choose lower-fat versions for a lighter dish.
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a dish. The combination of flavors and ease of preparation makes it a favorite for family dinner or cozy nights in. Enjoy every tender bite of this delicious casserole; your taste buds will thank you!
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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None specified
Description
A delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with hearty chicken and pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and stir to coat in the oils.
- Sprinkle in the sugar and salt, cooking until the onions are deep golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the orzo pasta to the pan and toast lightly for 2 minutes.
- Mix in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and black pepper; combine well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for best flavor and adjust seasoning to taste. Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: casserole, chicken, French onion, comfort food