French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a warm, cheesy one-dish meal. It mixes sweet, caramelized onions with tender chicken and creamy orzo. This dish feels like comfort food but cooks in one pan. It is simple and fills the kitchen with a great smell.
Why make this recipe
Make this when you want an easy, cozy meal that tastes fancy without much work. The caramelized onions add deep flavor. The orzo soaks up the sauce and makes each bite creamy. For a similar onion-and-cheese twist, try these cheesy French onion meatballs for another comfort option.
How to prepare French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Caramelize the Onions
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook 20–25 minutes, stirring now and then, until onions are deep golden and caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
Add Orzo and Chicken
- Stir in the orzo and cook 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
- Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire if using. Mix well.
Pour in Liquids
- Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then, until orzo is tender.
Add Cheese
- Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan. Mix until melted and creamy.
Bake the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella on top.
- Bake uncovered 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you like.
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)
How to serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Serve warm, straight from the pan. Let it rest so the sauce sets a little. Add a green salad or steamed veggies on the side. Top with fresh thyme or parsley for color.
How to store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or warm in the microwave in short bursts. To freeze, put in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole perfectly
- Cook the onions low and slow. Good caramelization gives the best flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Stir the orzo so it cooks evenly and does not stick.
- If the casserole looks dry while cooking, add a little more broth or cream.
- Let it rest after baking so it firms up and is easier to serve.
Variations (if possible)
- Swap mozzarella for Gruyère for a nutty taste.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish.
- Add mushrooms with the onions for extra earthiness.
- Make it vegetarian: use vegetable broth and omit chicken, add beans or roasted veggies.
FAQ
Q: Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
A: Yes. Cut chicken into small pieces and cook in the pan after the onions. Add orzo and liquids as directed and make sure the chicken is fully cooked before baking.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free orzo or small rice-shaped pasta and check that Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
Q: How do I keep the casserole creamy when reheating?
A: Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating and stir gently to restore the sauce.
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A warm, cheesy one-dish meal featuring sweet caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo, perfect for a cozy dinner.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Melt the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
- Mix in shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce if desired.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Cook onions low and slow for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French