French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
A cozy, one-pan dish that wraps you in warmth with the rich flavors of caramelized onions, tender orzo, and juicy chicken all in a creamy sauce without heavy cream.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds richness and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Great for cooking onions and enhances taste.
- 2 large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced The star; caramelize them for sweet depth.
- 1 teaspoon Sugar Helps caramelize the onions, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Boosts all the flavors in the dish.
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced Adds a fragrant kick to the casserole.
- 1 1/2 cups Orzo Pasta A comforting pasta that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken For protein; use a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme Infuses an aromatic, earthy flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper A subtle warmth to balance the dish.
- 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Keeps it moist and enhances the overall taste.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Adds a creamy texture without feeling too heavy.
- 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded Melts beautifully and adds a delightful stretch.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated A nutty flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce (optional) For an extra layer of umami.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and measure them out.
- Slice the onions and mince the garlic.
- Shred your cooked chicken if you haven't done so already.
Cooking/Assembly
- In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt; cook until they’re golden brown (about 15 minutes), stirring often.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add orzo, cooked chicken, thyme, and black pepper; mix well.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- When the orzo is tender, remove from heat and fold in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Serving
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with any extra cheese if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Caramelize the onions gently for best flavor. Mix different cheeses for more variety. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.