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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting and quick one-pan casserole filled with creamy orzo, tender chicken, and sweet caramelized onions, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the base
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Makes for a rich and flavorful base.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Helps achieve that golden caramelized onion flavor.
  • 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced) The stars of the show! Sweet and savory.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Enhances the natural sweetness of the onions.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances the flavors and draws out moisture.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) Adds a zesty punch.
For the casserole
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta Perfect pasta to soak up all the lovely flavors.
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Rotisserie works well for this dish.
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Adds cozy herby flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Gentle heat that complements the sweetness.
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Keeps everything moist.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Rich and creamy, adds luxury.
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully, making it creamy.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a yummy punch to the dish.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze Optional for extra depth of flavor.

Method
 

Caramelize the Onions
  1. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly 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
  1. Stir in the orzo and let it cook for about 2 minutes to toast lightly. Mix in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
Pour in Liquids
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes.
Add Cheese
  1. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Bake the Casserole
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve
  1. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.

Notes

You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.