Get ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious dish: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole! This recipe brings together the rich, savory flavor of French onion soup with tender orzo pasta and shredded chicken. You will love how each bite is filled with melty cheese and aromatic herbs, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings, cozy weeknights, or even potluck parties. Its warm, golden crust is visually appealing, drawing everyone to the table with excitement.
This mouthwatering casserole is not just about taste; it’s also about the wonderful sensory experience it offers. The aroma of caramelizing onions and garlic fills your kitchen, creating a welcoming atmosphere. In the following sections, you’ll find a detailed guide to preparing this dish, along with tips for serving, storing, and customizing. Prepare to impress your loved ones with this easy yet scrumptious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with simple, fresh ingredients that enhance flavor.
- Ease of Preparation: Quick and straightforward, perfect for any home cook.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein and comforting carbs, making it filling and satisfying.
- Versatility: Ideal for various occasions, from casual dinners to special events.
- Presentation: The golden-brown cheese topping looks so inviting!
This dish has something for everyone!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 1 hour
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for lighter option)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for added depth)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown (about 20-25 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onions, orzo pasta, shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Fold in 1 cup of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve straight from the baking dish for a casual feel, or dish onto plates for a more formal presentation.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for added texture.
- Portions: This recipe serves 6-8, making it perfect for family meals or leftovers.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a light white wine or chilled sparkling water for a refreshing touch.
You’ll love how well it all comes together!
Additional Tips
- Add a splash of white wine to the onions for extra flavor.
- Customize with different proteins, like turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Serve with fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for fresh flavor and color.
Recipe Variations
- Mushroom and Spinach: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty veggie twist.
- Lemon Herb: Incorporate lemon zest and fresh herbs for a bright flavor shift.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
FAQ’s
- Can I use frozen ingredients? Yes, you can use frozen onions and pre-cooked chicken.
- Is this recipe suitable for special diets? It can be made gluten-free using alternative pasta and low-fat for lighter options.
- Can I prepare this in advance? Absolutely! Assemble it a day earlier, keep it in the fridge, and bake just before serving.
- What if I want to customize this dish? Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up the cheese to match your taste.
- Can it be cooked in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook the ingredients on low for 4-6 hours before finishing it off in the oven for a crispy top.
Conclusion
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a delightful combination of hearty flavors and comforting textures. It’s a dish everyone will love, bursting with taste and warmth. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and impressive results. Don’t hesitate to whip it up for your next meal—it’s bound to be a hit!
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for lighter option)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional for added depth)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown (about 20-25 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onions, orzo pasta, shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Fold in 1 cup of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
