An Irresistible Comfort Food Treat
Ever had a dish so creamy and comforting that it wraps you in a cozy blanket of flavor? This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is just that! With its rich, cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze—because who wants to wash a whole bunch of dishes after cooking?
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll love this casserole for a few reasons—first, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, it’s an excellent way to use leftover rotisserie chicken! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a delicious dinner without breaking the bank? Lastly, it’s one of those family-friendly meals that even the picky eaters will devour. Who doesn’t love cheesy pasta?
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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 a 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: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Add the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Then, add the shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper. Mix well.
Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix it until melted and creamy.
Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole (Overview)
Making this casserole is as easy as pie! Start with caramelizing those lovely onions; patience is key here, so don’t rush it. After that, toast the orzo a bit, mix in the chicken and spices, and pour in your creamy goodness. Lastly, it’s time to sprinkle cheese on top and let the oven work its magic. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it really elevates the whole dish!
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Picture this: a warm, bubbly casserole topped with golden cheese, creating a beautiful, inviting presentation. Serve it with a side salad for a balance of crunch and freshness, or some crusty bread to soak up that rich flavor. The aromas alone will make everyone gather around the table—you might just find them coming back for seconds!
How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
This casserole is great for leftovers, keeping well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container, and you can easily reheat it in the microwave or oven. Feeling ahead of the game? You can assemble the casserole and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it from frozen.
Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
- Caramelization is key: The sweeter the onions, the better the flavor.
- Want a heartier dish? Add some veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half and half—still creamy but not quite as rich.
- Wanna spice things up? A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little kick!
- Leftover chicken works wonders here, so don’t hesitate to use it!
Variation
Craving a twist? Try adding some mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or toss in a handful of spinach for a pop of color. You can even switch to a vegan version by using plant-based proteins and dairy-free cream. Adapt this casserole to suit your tastes—come on, make it your own!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While orzo works best here for its texture, any small pasta will do the trick—just keep an eye on cook times.
Q: How can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the entire casserole, then cover it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, it freezes beautifully! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Stir in the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
- Add the shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella on top.
- 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.
