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FRENCH ONION CHICKEN ORZO CASSEROLE centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Thomas Baker

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Easy Weeknight Dinner

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a creamy and comforting one pan dinner perfect for an easy dinner or family dinner on a busy weeknight. Featuring caramelized onions, tender chicken, and cheesy orzo pasta, this cozy chicken casserole doubles as a delicious orzo recipe that the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie works well
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half for lighter option
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze for added depth

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the thinly sliced onions plus sugar and salt; cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the onions are rich golden brown and sweetly caramelized, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to release its aroma.
  4. Mix the orzo into the skillet and toast it lightly by stirring for around 2 minutes.
  5. Incorporate the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if you are using it; stir well to combine all flavors.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a soft simmer.
  7. Lower the heat to the minimum, cover the pot, and gently cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then until the orzo is tender and creamy.
  8. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese along with the grated Parmesan until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella evenly on top and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the surface is golden and bubbly.
  11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set.
  12. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half and half. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. The optional Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze provides a nice depth but can be skipped if unavailable.