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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Savory French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole for Cozy Nights

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds richness and aids in caramelization of onions
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Helps caramelize onions
  • 3 large Yellow Onions Provide sweetness when caramelized
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Enhances caramelization process
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced for best flavor
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta Soaks up creamy sauce
  • 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken Preferably rotisserie
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Thyme Adds herbal notes
  • to taste Black Pepper Simple seasoning for flavor
  • 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Serves as the base for the sauce
  • 3/4 cup Heavy Cream Adds creaminess to casserole
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Provides melty texture
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds nutty flavor
Optional Flavor Boosters
  • to taste Worcestershire Sauce Enhances umami notes
  • to taste Balsamic Glaze Adds a sweet tang

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Dutch oven
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 3 large sliced yellow onions along with 1 teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30–40 minutes, until the onions are deeply caramelized.
  2. While the onions are caramelizing, heat another skillet over medium heat. Season about 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken for about 5–7 minutes until slightly golden.
  3. Once the onions are caramelized, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Stir in 1.5 cups of orzo pasta, 3/4 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, and the cooked chicken. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
  5. Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra thyme or chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Feel free to assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight before baking.

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