Description
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting blend of flavors, combining tender orzo, rotisserie chicken, and caramelized onions, all baked to perfection with a rich cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, cooking until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the orzo, cooked chicken, thyme, black pepper, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet; mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- If desired, drizzle with Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream. You can also customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Main Course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner