French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken and orzo pasta. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The creamy texture and cheesy topping make it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Chicken, cooked
• 3 Garlic cloves
• 1/2 tsp Thyme, dried
• 2 Yellow onions, large
• 2 cups Chicken broth, low-sodium
• 1 1/2 cups Orzo pasta
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Butter, unsalted
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and sugar; cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked chicken, chicken broth, heavy cream, and orzo pasta. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
6. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Serve the casserole hot from the oven. It’s delicious on its own or paired with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. This dish can also be served family-style, directly from the baking dish.

How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onions.
• You can use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
• Watch the baking time closely to prevent the cheese from burning.

Variation

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you like! Gruyère or cheddar would work well instead of mozzarella and Parmesan.

2. Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake it directly from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it heats through.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a day before baking. Just take it out of the fridge while the oven preheats for even cooking.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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A comforting dish combining the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken and orzo pasta, topped with creamy cheese.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups Chicken, cooked
• 3 Garlic cloves
• 1/2 tsp Thyme, dried
• 2 Yellow onions, large
• 2 cups Chicken broth, low-sodium
• 1 1/2 cups Orzo pasta
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Butter, unsalted
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and sugar; cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked chicken, chicken broth, heavy cream, and orzo pasta. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
6. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onions. You can use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation. This dish can also be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken.

• Author: mehdilmh
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: casserole, chicken, orzo, French onion, comfort food