French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

🖋️ Written by Emma

Why Make This Recipe

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken and pasta. The creamy texture and cheesy topping make it a hit at the dinner table. It’s perfect for busy nights and can be made in one pot, making cleanup easy. This recipe is filling and satisfying, guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Ingredients

• 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 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)

Directions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream to the mixture. 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.

4. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.

5. 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.

6. Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Serve this casserole warm right out of the oven. It pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also sprinkle extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for added flavor.

How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or in the microwave.

Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

• Use a rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein option.
• Make sure to cook the onions until they are well caramelized for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze; they add a nice depth of flavor.

Variation

You can easily customize this casserole by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. For a different cheese flavor, try using Swiss or Gouda instead of mozzarella.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with another small pasta like farfalline or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply place it in the oven for a bit longer since it will be cold.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking when ready to serve.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting casserole that brings together French onion soup flavors with chicken and orzo pasta, topped with a creamy cheese layer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, French

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

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 lighter option)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) or balsamic glaze for added depth

Method

 

Caramelize the Onions

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

Add Orzo and Chicken

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

Pour in Liquids

1. Add the chicken broth and cream to the mixture.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

Add Cheese

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

Bake the Casserole

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

Serve

1. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and ensure the onions are well caramelized for optimal flavor. The Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze is recommended for added depth.