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Delicious French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole ready to serve for a comforting dinner.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting casserole that combines orzo pasta, caramelized onions, shredded chicken, and melted cheese for a creamy, hearty dish perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Caramelized Onions
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Casserole
  • 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional for added depth

Method
 

Caramelization
  1. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, combine the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Sauté for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and caramelized. Stir in minced garlic in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Incorporate the orzo into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Next, add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you choose to add it. Mix everything thoroughly.
Cooking
  1. Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Baking
  1. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan. Mix until everything is melted and creamy.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. For a fresh touch, garnish with thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

This casserole is perfect for serving with a simple green salad or crusty bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 2 months.