French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
A rich and comforting one-pan casserole that blends caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 large onions, sliced Caramelized for sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds aroma and flavor.
Fats
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter For caramelizing onions.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing.
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon sugar Enhances onion sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt To taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme For added herb flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Optional for extra flavor.
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 cup orzo pasta Main pasta used in the recipe.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken Use leftover chicken for convenience.
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth For cooking the orzo.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adds creaminess to the dish.
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For melting and topping.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds flavor depth.
Garnish
- to taste Fresh thyme or parsley Optional for decoration.
Instructions
Caramelizing Onions
- Melt the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven.
- Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt, cooking for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Stir occasionally.
- In the last 1-2 minutes, stir in the minced garlic.
Combining Ingredients
- Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast lightly for about 2 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well.
Simmering the Casserole
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Gently simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Baking
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer casserole to the oven, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas. Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors, and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.