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Easy French Onion Chicken Bake | Creamy Orzo Casserole

Easy French Onion Chicken Bake | Creamy Orzo Casserole

Samantha Jones
A rich, comfort-inducing one-pan casserole combining caramelized onions, shredded chicken, cream-orzo, and melty cheese. Perfect for family dinners with a savory-sweet balance and golden cheese crust that reheats well.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner
Cuisine American with French-inspired elements
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions (thickly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet.
  • Add onions and sugar; sauté 15-20 minutes until deeply caramelized.
  • Stir in garlic, thyme, and salt/pepper; cook 2 minutes.
  • Add orzo and broth; simmer 8-10 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  • Fold in shredded chicken and 1 cup mozzarella. Transfer to baking dish.
  • Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden.

Notes

Use sweet Vidalia onions for extra sweetness
Substitute turkey or tofu for chicken
Gluten-free orzo for GF version
Store leftovers airtight up to 3 days

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 32gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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