French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
A flavorful one-pot casserole that combines the rich taste of caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo for a comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Casserole
- 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 a lighter option
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional for added depth)
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and prepare them by thinly slicing the onions, mincing the garlic, and shredding the cooked chicken.
Cooking the Base
- 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 20 to 25 minutes, stirring until onions are caramelized and golden.
Adding Garlic
- During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking the onions, add the minced garlic.
Stirring in Orzo and Chicken
- Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper. Mix well.
Pour in Liquids
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
Adding Cheese
- Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Resting
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Allow the casserole to rest after baking for a better texture and to enhance the flavors. Customize the dish with additional vegetables or different types of cheese as desired.