Description
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken, creamy orzo, and melted cheese in one delicious, one-pan meal.
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)
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over low to medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, golden, and caramelized.
- Season uncooked chicken with salt and pepper. Remove onions, increase heat to medium-high, and sear chicken on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add uncooked orzo to the same pan and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Return caramelized onions to the pan. Stir in broth, heavy cream, and dried thyme, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Bring to a simmer. Nestle uncooked chicken into the orzo mixture, or stir in cooked chicken if using pre-cooked.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Stir half of the shredded cheese into the orzo mixture until creamy.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Take your time caramelizing the onions for maximum flavor. Using an oven-safe skillet makes this a true one-pan meal with easy cleanup. You can substitute different cheeses or pre-cooked chicken for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American