Creamy French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe
This Creamy French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and creamy cheese baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it combines the richness of French onion flavors with the convenience of a one-dish casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Onion Base
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Liquids & Cheese
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with sugar and salt. Cook slowly for 20-25 minutes, stirring often until the onions become deep golden brown and caramelized, developing rich sweetness.
- Add Garlic and Toast Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the orzo pasta, toasting it for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly to ensure even browning and enhance its nutty flavor.
- Combine Chicken and Seasonings: Mix in the cooked shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
- Simmer with Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, creating a creamy consistency.
- Add Half the Cheese: Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and incorporated, resulting in a creamy texture rich with cheesy goodness.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to set the casserole nicely.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken shredded at home.
- For deeper flavor, substitute Worcestershire sauce with a splash of balsamic glaze.
- Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, creamy orzo casserole, baked chicken orzo dish, caramelized onion casserole, comfort food, one dish meal