Description
Craving something cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor? This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is your answer. It’s the perfect marriage of juicy shredded chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and creamy orzo pasta, all baked under a bubbly layer of cheese and crispy onions. A comfort food dream for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing weekends, this easy recipe nails that French onion soup flavor in hearty casserole form. Whether you’re after a quick dinner idea, meal prep magic, or simply love cheesy food ideas, this dish fits the bill. Try this easy dinner winner now and thank yourself later.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups orzo pasta
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups crispy fried onions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
2. Stir in minced garlic and thyme, cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, uncooked orzo, caramelized onions, broth, cream, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Fold in half of the cheeses, then transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil, top with remaining cheese and crispy onions. Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Always caramelize the onions low and slow for rich flavor.
Add the crispy fried onions at the end so they stay crunchy.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: French onion casserole, chicken orzo, creamy baked pasta, comfort food, easy dinner