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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole topped with melted cheese and herbs..

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A delightful casserole featuring caramelized onions, tender orzo pasta, and juicy chicken, topped with melted cheese for a comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6 servings
Calories 600 kcal

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 a 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
 

Caramelize the Onions

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

Add Orzo and Chicken

  • Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast.
  • Add the shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.

Pour in Liquids

  • Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

Add Cheese

  • Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.

Bake the Casserole

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top.
  • Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Serve

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

Notes

Use a rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken to save time. Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. For a bit of a kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes while cooking. This dish can also be made vegetarian by swapping the chicken for mushrooms or zucchini, using vegetable broth instead.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
Keyword Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, One-Pot Meal
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