Description

This comforting French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with tender shredded chicken and creamy orzo pasta. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden mozzarella and Parmesan cheese crust, this hearty one-dish meal is perfect for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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 (rotisserie 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 lighter option)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for added depth)

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the 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 to release its aroma.
Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb some of the flavors. Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Pour in Liquids: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or Dutch oven, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and creamy.
Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt completely, creating a creamy texture throughout the casserole.
Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Place the skillet or transfer to an oven-safe dish if needed, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, then serve warm for a satisfying meal.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time and adds extra flavor.
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half and half.
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze, you can omit them, but they add great depth to the flavor.
Make sure to cook the onions slowly and patiently for the best caramelization and sweetness.
This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-American

Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, orzo casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, comfort food casserole, baked chicken and orzo