French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup with tender chicken and pasta in one easy dish. This creamy and cheesy casserole features deeply caramelized onions, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner but also elegant enough for guests. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together incredible flavors with minimal cleanup.​

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Why Make This Recipe

You should make this recipe for its rich, comforting flavors that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It is a simple, high-protein meal that transforms the taste of French onion soup into a complete, hearty dinner. The combination of jammy caramelized onions, savory broth, tender chicken, and cheesy orzo creates an unforgettable dish that will have everyone asking for more.​

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

To make this dish, you begin by slowly caramelizing sliced onions in a pan until they are golden and sweet. Next, you’ll sear the chicken and toast the orzo in the same pan to build layers of flavor. Broth and cream are then added, and the mixture is simmered before being topped with cheese and baked until it’s golden and bubbly.​

Ingredients

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced​
• 1 tbsp butter​
• 1 tbsp olive oil​
• 6 chicken thighs (or 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken)​
• 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta​
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth​
• 1 cup heavy cream​
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese​
• ½ tsp dried thyme​
• Salt and pepper to taste​
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)​

Directions

1. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over low to medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden, and caramelized.​
2. If using uncooked chicken, season it with salt and pepper. Remove the onions from the pan, increase the heat to medium-high, and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.​
3. Add the uncooked orzo to the same pan and toast for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.​
4. Return the caramelized onions to the pan. Stir in the broth, heavy cream, and dried thyme, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.​
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer. If using uncooked chicken, nestle it into the orzo mixture. If using cooked chicken, stir it in.​
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Stir half of the shredded cheese into the orzo mixture until it’s creamy.​
7. Top the casserole with the remaining cheese.​
8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, the chicken is cooked through, and the top is golden and bubbly.​
9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.​

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Serve this casserole hot, directly from the pan. It is a hearty one-dish meal that pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it a satisfying main course on its own.​

How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the casserole back in the oven until warmed through.​

Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

For the most flavorful result, take your time caramelizing the onions; cooking them low and slow is key to developing their deep, sweet flavor. Using an oven-safe pan or Dutch oven allows you to make this a true one-pan meal, which saves on cleanup. Slicing your onions to a similar thickness will ensure they cook evenly.​

Variations

For a quicker version, you can use 3 cups of pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken and substitute the caramelized onions and cream sauce with a can of cream of chicken soup, a container of sour cream French onion dip, and crispy fried onions. You can also use different cheeses, such as cheddar or a provolone blend, depending on your preference.​

FAQs

What are the best onions to use for this recipe?
Yellow onions are the best choice for caramelizing as they develop a deep, sweet flavor. Vidalia or other sweet onions also work well.​

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Orzo is recommended because its small, rice-like shape works perfectly in this casserole-style dish. If you don’t have orzo, another small pasta shape could work, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.​

Do I have to use an oven-safe skillet?
No, if you do not have an oven-safe skillet, you can prepare the components on the stovetop and then transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish before baking

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