Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

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Why Make This Recipe

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich and savory flavors of classic French onion soup with hearty chicken and tender orzo pasta. This comfort food dish is not just delicious but also easy to make. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The creamy texture and cheesy topping make it a hit for both kids and adults.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

Directions:

Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add 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: Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.
Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
Bake the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Serve this casserole warm directly from the oven. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness. For extra flavor, you can top it with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if preferred.

Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

For deeper flavor, allow the onions to caramelize longer. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
If you like a bit of tang, consider adding the optional Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze.
You can use any leftover cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken to save time.

Variation

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the mix for extra nutrition. You can also swap the mozzarella with different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for orzo?
You can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice in place of orzo.

Can I freeze French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking, adding extra time if needed during cooking.