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30-Minute French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

  • Author: Alioui
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This 30-Minute French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together caramelized onions, shredded chicken, and orzo in a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. To begin, heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the unsalted butter along with the olive oil. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced onions. Sprinkle in the sugar and salt; these will help draw out the moisture from the onions and encourage caramelization. Stir occasionally for about 20-25 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. In the last couple of minutes, mix in the minced garlic for a fragrant finish.
  2. Next, add the orzo pasta to the skillet with the onions and garlic. This quick toast—just about 2 minutes—is essential to enhance its nutty flavor. After toasting, mix in the cooked shredded chicken, dried thyme, and black pepper. If you’re adding the Worcestershire sauce, now is the time to include it. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
  3. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. It’s important to bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the orzo to become tender and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
  4. Once the orzo is tender, fold in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. This will create a luxuriously creamy sauce that beautifully coats the chicken and orzo. Stir until everything is well mixed and the cheese has melted completely.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Transfer it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Once baked, allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving; this step helps the flavors settle.

Notes

For added flavor, deglaze the onions with a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar before adding the orzo. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds incredible flavor; feel free to use leftover chicken as well. For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream without sacrificing taste. If you’re avoiding gluten, swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or small rice pasta. Leftover casserole reheats beautifully; add a splash of broth or cream while reheating for optimal creaminess.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

Nutrition

  • Calories: 515 kcal
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Protein: 31 g

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Find it online: https://corarecipes.com/30-minute-french-onion-chicken-orzo-casserole-delight/