French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole brings all the rich, cozy flavors of classic French onion soup into a hearty, one-pan dinner. Tender chicken, caramelized onions, creamy orzo, and melted Gruyère bake together into a comforting, flavorful casserole that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Oven-safe baking dish (if not using an oven-safe skillet)
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 3 large sweet onions or yellow onions thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil for searing
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp paprika optional
For the Orzo Casserole
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream optional for extra creaminess
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère Swiss, or mozzarella
- chopped parsley for garnish Optional
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions (Most Important Step!)
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook 15–20 minutes until golden and soft.
- Stir in garlic, Worcestershire, and thyme. Cook 1–2 more minutes.
- Remove onions and set aside.
Sear the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and sear chicken on both sides until lightly browned (doesn't need to fully cook).
Deglaze & Build the Sauce
- Add the caramelized onions back into the skillet with the chicken.
- Pour in broth.
- Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Add the Orzo
- Stir in the orzo and ensure it is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Lower heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make It Creamy (Optional)
- Stir in heavy cream for extra creamy texture.
Bake the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Top casserole with shredded Gruyère or mozzarella.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the top.
Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
- Pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
Notes
- Don’t skip caramelizing the onions — this is what gives the dish its French onion soup flavor.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
- Add extra broth if you prefer a looser, saucier casserole.
- This recipe reheats beautifully — add a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 32gFat: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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