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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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A comforting casserole blending the flavors of French onion soup with chicken and orzo pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Melt the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  3. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic for the last 1–2 minutes.
  5. Add the orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast.
  6. Mix in the shredded chicken, thyme, and pepper, along with Worcestershire sauce if using.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and cream; bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
  8. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

For a lighter option, consider using half and half instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute different cheeses based on your preference.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/french-onion-chicken-orzo/