French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic French onion soup, transformed into a hearty, family-favorite dish. It brings together the rich sweetness of caramelized onions with tender orzo pasta, shredded chicken, and a creamy cheese blend. I’ve made this casserole countless times, especially on busy weeknights when I crave comfort food that’s easy to whip up. Trust me when I say, once you try it, it will become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe is not just about great taste; it’s all about convenience and comfort. It works wonders for weeknight meals, family gatherings, or even potlucks. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can serve a warm, satisfying dish that appeals to everyone—picky eaters included! The creamy texture, savory flavors, and golden top are sure to win over any crowd.

"This casserole has become the highlight of our family dinners! So creamy and satisfying, and the kids love it!" – Happy Home Cook

The Cooking Process Explained

Making French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is straightforward and can be broken down into simple steps. Initially, you’ll caramelize the onions to bring out their natural sweetness. Next, you’ll combine the orzo and shredded chicken, followed by the creamy broth mixture. Finally, as it bakes, your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas that will have everyone eager to dig in!

What You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list for this delicious casserole:

• 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)

Feel free to swap out any ingredients to suit your preferences, like using whole grain orzo for added nutrition!

Directions to Follow

1. 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 for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized. In the final 1-2 minutes, stir in the minced garlic.

2. Add Orzo and Chicken
   Stir in the orzo and let it toast for around 2 minutes. Then, add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you’re using it. Mix everything together.

3. Pour in Liquids
   Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

4. Add Cheese
   Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese, mixing until it becomes melted and creamy.

5. Bake the Casserole
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

6. Serve
   Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. You can garnish it with fresh thyme or parsley if desired for an extra touch.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread can elevate the meal. For something extra special, consider serving it alongside a glass of white wine or sparkling water to enhance the flavors.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, let the casserole cool completely, then freeze in a suitable dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Always ensure to reheat the casserole until it’s bubbling hot throughout to ensure food safety.

Helpful Cooking Tips

For the best results, give your onions plenty of time to caramelize. This enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish. If you prefer a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can replace the heavy cream without sacrificing creaminess.

Creative Twists

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! You could add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor or spinach for a touch of greens. If you love spice, try mixing in some red pepper flakes or substituting the mozzarella with sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this casserole?

This recipe typically takes around 15 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to cook.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! Just ensure you cook the chicken thoroughly before shredding it.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

You can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Now you have everything you need to create a delicious and hearty French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole that your family will love! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A delightful twist on classic French onion soup, transformed into a hearty casserole with orzo, shredded chicken, and a creamy cheese blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Paleo

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. 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 for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized. In the final 1-2 minutes, stir in the minced garlic.
2. Stir in the orzo and let it toast for around 2 minutes. Then, add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix everything together.
3. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
4. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese, mixing until it becomes melted and creamy.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden on top.
6. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For the best results, give your onions plenty of time to caramelize. This enhances their sweetness. Feel free to experiment by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 100mg