Description
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender orzo pasta and shredded chicken, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a comforting one-pan dish.
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, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, sugar, and salt. Cook until the onions are caramelized, about 15 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo, shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Mix in the heavy cream and let simmer for about 5 minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup of mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese. If using Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze, add it now.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Notes
For a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half and half. Rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick and easy, but leftover chicken can also be used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-inspired / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, casserole, comfort food, chicken recipe, easy dinner
