Description
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole: a cozy, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring caramelized onions, tender chicken, creamy orzo, and melty cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (use rotisserie or leftover chicken)
- 1½ cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
- Stir in orzo and toast for 2–3 minutes until slightly golden.
- Pour in chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir well, then add shredded chicken.
- Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Tip: For a quicker version, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
- Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to help it set for easier slicing.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone if you prefer a sharper cheese flavor.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, one-pan casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, caramelized onions, weeknight dinner, comforting casserole, cheesy chicken bake