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Delicious French onion chicken orzo casserole topped with melted cheese.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting one-pot meal featuring caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cooking Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter A great fat choice for flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced Use yellow onions for sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar To help caramelize the onions.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta Cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Rotisserie chicken 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 or balsamic glaze Optional: for added depth.

Method
 

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

Notes

For added richness, consider using a mix of broths or a splash of sherry in the cooking liquid. Baking the casserole with cheese on top creates a beautifully crisp, golden crust.