If you’re in the mood for a comforting, creamy dish that bursts with flavor, let me introduce you to a delightful creation that blends the essence of French onion soup with the heartiness of chicken and orzo – the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. It’s that perfect blend of flavors warm from the oven, making it an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight family dinner or an impressive dish for brunch gatherings. With its luscious cheese and rich onions, this casserole is sure to impress your loved ones and keep everyone coming back for seconds!

Why you’ll love this dish

So, why should you give this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole a try? For starters, it’s an incredibly versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple pantry staples into a warm hug on a plate that everyone will adore. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or hosting a last-minute dinner party, this casserole fits the bill. It’s also budget-friendly, utilizing rotisserie chicken and orzo pasta, which are both affordable and easily accessible.

But don’t just take my word for it; here’s a glowing review from one of my friends who made it for her family:

"This casserole is a winner! The flavors meld beautifully, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. My kids couldn’t stop asking for more, and I loved how it didn’t break the bank!"

How this recipe comes together

Making the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a straightforward process that combines caramelized onions, tender chicken, and orzo into a single, baked dish. Here’s a quick overview of how the cooking unfolds:

Begin by caramelizing the onions until they’re sweet and golden brown.
Add the orzo and shredded chicken, mixing in flavor-packed seasonings.
Pour in the creamy liquids and let everything simmer.
Stir in the cheeses for that gooey goodness and finish off by baking until bubbly.

With just a few steps, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve!

What you’ll need

Gather these essential ingredients for your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole:

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 a 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

(Optional substitutions include using a dairy-free cream alternative and swapping chicken for rotisserie turkey.)

Step-by-step instructions

Let’s dive into the preparation process!

Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. During the last 1-2 minutes, stir in the minced garlic to infuse the aroma.
Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Mix in the shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper (add Worcestershire if you prefer).
Pour in Liquids: Add chicken broth and cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
Add Cheese: Mix in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese until they melt into a creamy mixture.
Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired for a vibrant touch.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is as easy as it is delicious. For a complete meal experience, pair it with a light side salad dressed with vinaigrette, or serve it alongside steamed vegetables for a nutritious balance. If you’re looking to elevate your presentation, consider serving it in individual ramekins for a charming touch at a dinner party, or sprinkle more fresh herbs atop each serving for a pop of color.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? No worries! This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated all the way through – this helps maintain that melt-in-your-mouth cheese consistency. If you know you won’t finish it in time, feel free to freeze portions for a comforting meal later on. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container!

Helpful cooking tips

For perfectly caramelized onions, patience is key! Stir occasionally and allow time for them to develop that depth of flavor.
If you find yourself short on orzo, feel free to substitute with any small pasta shape.
Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a plant-based cream if you’re looking for a lighter option.
To enhance the flavor further, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Creative twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some delicious variations to try with your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole:

Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
Spice it Up: For those who dare, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Regional Influence: Float a few dollops of pesto on top before baking for an Italian-inspired twist.

Your questions answered

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a day ahead, just keep it covered in the fridge and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Substituting heavy cream with a non-dairy option and using dairy-free cheese can easily tailor this recipe to your needs.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The oven is best; it keeps the cheese melty and the orzo not soggy. Aim for 350°F until heated through.

The French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is not only a comforting dinner choice but also a dish that invites you to get creative. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting casserole blending French onion soup flavors with hearty chicken and orzo, topped with melted cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Casserole, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, French

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

For the casserole

2 tablespoons unsalted butter For caramelizing the onions.
1 tablespoon olive oil For caramelizing the onions.
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced Key flavor ingredient.
1 teaspoon sugar Helps caramelize the onions.
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor.
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta Main carbohydrate source.
2 cups cooked shredded chicken Rotisserie chicken works well.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Herb for flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Cooking liquid.
1 cup heavy cream Adds creaminess.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For topping and flavor.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping and flavor.
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze Optional; adds depth of flavor.

Instructions

Preparation

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
During the last 1-2 minutes, stir in the minced garlic to infuse the aroma.

Cooking

Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast.
Mix in the shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper (add Worcestershire if you prefer).
Add chicken broth and cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
Mix in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese until they melt into a creamy mixture.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top.
Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

Serving

Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Can be frozen for later use, ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Keyword Casserole, Chicken Orzo, comfort food, easy dinner, French Onion