Description
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting, savory, and cheesy—this cozy casserole brings classic French onion flavor to your weeknight dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: splash of white wine for deglazing
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until caramelized (20–25 minutes).
- Deglaze pan with white wine, if using. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned.
- Add orzo, broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer covered for 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in cream and half the cheese. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Caramelizing the onions slowly adds essential depth and sweetness.
- Use beef broth for a richer, more traditional French onion flavor.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins