Description
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines tender chicken, caramelized onions, creamy orzo pasta, and melted cheese for a rich, comforting dish that delivers all the flavors of classic French onion soup in a hearty one-pan meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sugar, and cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and deep golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Push onions to one side of the skillet and add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked orzo, coating it in the butter and onion mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in heavy cream, then sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for a faster version — just stir it in before baking.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for an extra umami boost.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Pairs beautifully with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-American