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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A warm and hearty casserole combining caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 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
 

Caramelize the Onions
  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.
Add Orzo and Chicken
  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.
Pour in Liquids
  1. Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Add Cheese
  1. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
Bake the Casserole
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top.
  3. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve
  1. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Don't rush the caramelization of the onions; this step is key to developing the sweet flavor. You can adjust the amount of cheese to make it richer or lighter, depending on your preference. Stir the casserole a few times while simmering to ensure even cooking of the orzo. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. You can also use different cheeses, like cheddar or gouda, for a twist on flavor.