French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
A creamy, comforting one-dish meal featuring French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole with caramelized onions, tender chicken, and orzo pasta in a savory cheesy sauce.
Equipment
- oven-safe skillet
- Dutch oven
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie works well
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half for a lighter option
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional, for added depth
Instructions
Casserole Instructions
- Caramelize the onions by melting butter and olive oil in a large skillet, adding onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20-25 minutes until caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic in the last 1-2 minutes.
- Add orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast. Stir in shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
This casserole is a perfect comfort food for family dinners and gatherings.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
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