Indulging in a warm, creamy casserole dish always feels like a big hug on a chilly night. My experience with this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole has been nothing short of transformative—it’s comforting, filling, and channels all the classic flavors of French onion soup. With tender orzo, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation. It’s perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners, or whenever you crave that hearty, homemade goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole stands out for a few reasons that make it a must-try. First, it combines the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with the simplicity of a one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare and packed with ingredients that are often already in your kitchen. Plus, it’s budget-friendly! Who doesn’t love a delectable dish that the whole family will enjoy, from children to adults?

"This is my new favorite casserole! So creamy and delicious—my family couldn’t get enough!" – A happy home cook after trying this recipe.

Cooking Process Explained

Making this casserole is surprisingly straightforward. With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll go from prep to dinner in no time. You’ll start by caramelizing your onions to develop a deep, rich flavor, then fold in the orzo and tender shredded chicken. Finally, you’ll bake everything to create a deliciously cheesy topping. Follow the recipe closely, and you’ll enjoy a dish that truly hits the comfort food spot.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fantastic 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 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 ingredients—using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save you time, and substituting half and half can lighten the dish without sacrificing creaminess!

Step-by-Step Instructions

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, cooking for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. During the last minute, stir in the minced garlic.

2. Add Orzo and Chicken
   Next, stir in the orzo to lightly toast it for about 2 minutes. Then, add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

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

4. Add Cheese
   Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan. Mix until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the dish.

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

6. Serve
   After baking, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This casserole shines on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience by pairing it with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette for a refreshing balance.
• Freshly baked bread sticks for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• A side of roasted vegetables to complement the dish’s richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Freeze: You can freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Make sure to practice safe food handling. Never leave cooked food out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Use a non-stick skillet to make caramelizing onions easier—this helps avoid any sticking or burning.
• Stir the orzo occasionally during the simmering process to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
• For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding herbs like fresh rosemary or parsley at the end.

Creative Twists

Feel free to switch things up! You can experiment with:

• Different cheeses—Swiss or Gruyere for that traditional onion soup flavor.
• Adding fresh veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, for added nutrition and flavor.
• Using a gluten-free orzo for a lighter, gluten-free option without sacrificing creaminess.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this casserole?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, with around 25–30 minutes of cooking time.

Can I use uncooked chicken?
While rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for ease, you can use uncooked chicken if you prefer. Just poach it first before shredding.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half and half gives a lighter version without sacrificing too much creaminess. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can add richness.

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to bring the warmth and comfort of this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole to your table. Enjoy!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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A warm, creamy casserole that combines the flavors of French onion soup with tender orzo and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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 lighter option)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

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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, cooking for 20-25 minutes until caramelized. Stir in garlic during the last minute.
2. Stir in the orzo to lightly toast for about 2 minutes. Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
3. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
4. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Feel free to swap ingredients for convenience, like using rotisserie chicken or half and half. For added flavor, consider using herbs or different cheeses.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg