Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 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)

why make this recipe

My grandmother used to caramelize onions on a slow Sunday. The whole house smelled like warm bread and sweet onions. I learned to stir slowly. I learned patience. This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole gives you that same cozy comfort in one pan. It’s creamy. It’s cheesy. It feeds a crowd or makes great leftovers. If you like comforting chicken dishes, you might also enjoy this Chicken of the Woods recipe for another savory swap-in.

how to make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Ingredients:
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)

Directions:

Caramelize the Onions. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
Add Orzo and Chicken. Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire if using. Mix well.
Pour in Liquids. Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Add Cheese. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
Bake the Casserole. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

If you love creamy, crowd-pleasing chicken casseroles, try pairing techniques from my Easy Chicken Alfredo to boost the richness.

how to serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Scoop generous portions onto warm plates. Add a sprig of thyme or a sprinkle of parsley. This casserole is hearty on its own. It’s also lovely with a simple green salad. If you want extra comfort, serve alongside a bowl of Delicious Crack Chicken Noodle Soup for a full, cozy meal.

how to store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Don’t rush the onions. Low and slow is the trick.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
If the mixture seems too thick while simmering, add a splash more broth.
Swap half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten it up.
Make it extra cozy by serving with crusty bread, like this Easy Sourdough Discard French Bread.

variation (if any)

Mushroom swap: Add sautéed mushrooms with the onions for an earthy twist.
Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth plus a can of white beans for protein.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Cheesy swap: Try Gruyère or fontina in place of mozzarella for a nuttier flavor.

FAQs

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Q: Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes. Small shapes like ditalini or small shells work best. Cooking time may change, so keep an eye on tenderness and add extra liquid if needed.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble through the cheese step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming from cold.

Q: Is there a lighter version of this casserole?
A: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken. Use part-skim mozzarella to cut calories without losing the melty goodness.

Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
A: You can, but you’ll need to cook it fully before baking. Cut into bite-sized pieces and simmer until cooked through, or poach separately and shred.

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