Description

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich, savory flavor of French onion soup with tender shredded chicken, creamy orzo, and melty cheese. This cozy one-pot meal is perfect for fall and delivers a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for Sunday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole Base:

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon thyme
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftovers)
1 cup dry orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Topping:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional for extra French onion flavor)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme; cook 1 minute more.
Prepare the Casserole Base: Add dry orzo to the skillet and stir to coat with the onion mixture. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until the orzo starts to soften, about 7–8 minutes.
Add Chicken and Cream: Stir in shredded chicken and heavy cream. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Transfer and Top: Pour into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with mozzarella and Gruyère cheeses.
Bake and Serve: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a browned top. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Tips: Don’t rush caramelizing the onions—it’s key to deep flavor. Use Gruyère for a classic French onion taste. Add extra broth if the casserole thickens too much.
Variations: Use mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian twist. Add sour cream for extra creaminess or swap in riced cauliflower for a low-carb version.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a full cozy meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, Chicken Orzo Bake, Fall Comfort Food, Creamy Chicken Casserole, One Pot Chicken Dinner