French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines savory flavors of caramelized onions and tender chicken with the richness of cheese and orzo pasta. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. If you love hearty casseroles, you might also enjoy this chicken broccoli rice casserole, which is equally flavorful and easy to prepare.
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is not just tasty; it also brings together many elements that complement each other. The slow-cooked onions add sweetness, while the chicken provides protein. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the orzo, making it a well-rounded meal. Additionally, this dish can be easily adjusted to suit different preferences, similar to the method used in cider-braised chicken with caramelized onions.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Ingredients:
- 900 g yellow onions (about 4 large)
- 60 g unsalted butter (4 tbsp)
- 15 ml olive oil (1 tbsp)
- 12 g kosher salt (2 tsp Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp Morton’s)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (~6 g)
- 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5 cm pieces (1.5 lb)
- 340 g dry orzo pasta (12 oz)
- 120 ml dry white wine (optional) (1/2 cup)
- 960 ml low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups)
- 15 ml Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp)
- 10 g Dijon mustard (1 tsp)
- 120 ml heavy cream (1/2 cup) or whole milk
- 225 g Gruyère cheese, shredded (8 oz)
- 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Caramelize the onions: Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook until deeply golden brown, about 25–30 minutes. You may also find Beef Confit Garlic Onion Casserole Style useful.
Brown the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in batches, then deglaze with white wine and reduce by half.
Toast the orzo: Add the orzo to the pan and toast for 2 minutes. Stir in hot broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and thyme, and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.
Combine and add cream: Return the chicken to the pan. Stir in cream and half of the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. For a fun twist, consider making it a complete meal by serving it alongside this cheesy baked potato chicken broccoli casserole.
How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
- Choose the right onions: Yellow onions are best for caramelizing, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Don’t rush the caramelization: Take your time to ensure the onions become richly golden without burning.
- Use high-quality cheese: Gruyère cheese adds a wonderful flavor, but feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese for a different taste.
Variation
You can easily switch up the proteins in this dish. For example, you could use chicken breast instead of thighs, or even substitute with turkey. Additionally, adding some spinach or kale can increase the nutritional value, similar to recipes like creamy balsamic chicken with roasted onions.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary.Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just ensure it is tightly covered.Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the chicken and add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, along with some extra seasonings.
Conclusion
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting meal that can easily impress your guests. For more ideas, check out French Onion Chicken and Orzo for a different take on these flavors, or try the Crockpot Creamy French Onion Chicken and Orzo for a hands-off cooking experience. You could also explore the One Pot French Onion Orzo with Chicken for a quick, delicious dinner option. Enjoy your cooking!
Print
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Chicken
Description
A delicious and comforting casserole that combines caramelized onions, tender chicken, and rich cheese with orzo pasta, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 900 g yellow onions (about 4 large)
- 60 g unsalted butter (4 tbsp)
- 15 ml olive oil (1 tbsp)
- 12 g kosher salt (2 tsp)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (~6 g)
- 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5 cm pieces (1.5 lb)
- 340 g dry orzo pasta (12 oz)
- 120 ml dry white wine (optional) (1/2 cup)
- 960 ml low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups)
- 15 ml Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp)
- 10 g Dijon mustard (1 tsp)
- 120 ml heavy cream (1/2 cup) or whole milk
- 225 g Gruyère cheese, shredded (8 oz)
- 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook until deeply golden brown, about 25–30 minutes.
- Brown the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in batches, then deglaze with white wine and reduce by half.
- Toast the orzo: Add the orzo to the pan and toast for 2 minutes. Stir in hot broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and thyme, and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.
- Combine and add cream: Return the chicken to the pan. Stir in cream and half of the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added nutrition, you can include vegetables like spinach or kale. This dish can also be frozen before or after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg