Delicious French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole topped with melted cheese

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

INTRODUCTION

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a warm, creamy dish with deep onion flavor and tender chicken. This dish mixes sweet caramelized onions, small orzo pasta, and melted cheese. It cooks on the stove and finishes in the oven for a golden top. The result is a simple meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

If you like the onion flavor but want a different meal, you might enjoy a keto French onion soup for another take on the same flavors.

This recipe works for weeknight dinners or for guests. It uses common ingredients and moves fast once the onions are done. You can use leftover chicken or a rotisserie bird to save time. The casserole stores well and makes good lunches for the week.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this dish because it blends rich and mild tastes in one pan. Caramelized onions add a sweet depth. Cream and cheese make it smooth and rich. Orzo gives a soft, rice-like bite that soaks up the sauce. Chicken adds protein and makes it a full meal.

This recipe is flexible. You can swap half and half for heavy cream to make it lighter. Use different cheeses or add herbs to suit your taste. The dish also pairs well with bright salads or green vegetables.

If you want another bright chicken dish to try later, check the recipe for balsamic chicken with strawberry basil relish for a sweet and tangy option.

HOW TO MAKE French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This step-by-step guide uses simple actions. Read the full list of ingredients and get your pan ready. Work in order so the orzo cooks just right and the sauce becomes creamy.

Start by caramelizing onions slowly. This builds the main flavor. Then toast the orzo briefly to add a nutty hint. Add cooked chicken and herbs, then pour in the broth and cream. Simmer until the orzo is tender. Stir in cheese so it melts into the sauce. Finish in a hot oven to brown the top.

If you need more ideas for a fresh chicken salad side, this chicken cabbage salad with nuoc cham is bright and quick to make.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater
  • Oven mitts
  • Serving spoon

A wide, heavy skillet works best. It gives space for the onions to spread and caramelize evenly. If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, move the mixture to a baking dish before the oven step.

Ingredients You’ll Need :

  • 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)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

  1. Caramelize the Onions
    In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add 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 shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire if using. Mix well.

  3. 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.

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

  5. Bake the Casserole
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup 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 the casserole warm with a simple green salad. The salad cuts the richness and adds a fresh bite. You can also spoon the casserole next to roasted vegetables or steamed green beans.

For a cozy meal, pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. If you like spicy food, a small side of pickled peppers works well. Try pairing this casserole with a bowl of soup for a larger spread.

If you want another warm bowl meal, this Southwestern chicken chili offers a different, spicy flavor profile that can round out a meal.

STORAGE & FREEZING : French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.

To freeze, cool the casserole completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, about 20–30 minutes, or warm on the stove with a lid to keep moisture.

Do not freeze the casserole if you used an all-dairy sauce you plan to reheat in a microwave without adding liquid, as the texture can separate. Adding a little broth or cream when reheating helps restore the sauce.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

  • Green salad with lemon vinaigrette for brightness.
  • Steamed or roasted green beans for crunch and color.
  • Crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up sauce.
  • Simple pickled vegetables for contrast.
  • A light dessert, like fruit sorbet, to finish the meal.

Serve family style so everyone can scoop the creamy orzo onto plates. A light squeeze of lemon over the salad will brighten the whole meal.

VARIATIONS

  • Make it lighter: Use half and half instead of heavy cream.
  • Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions.
  • Swap cheeses: Try Gruyère or fontina for a different melt and flavor.
  • Add greens: Stir in baby spinach in the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
  • Make it tangy: Add a splash of balsamic glaze before serving for a bright note.

If you want a vegetarian orzo side with similar creaminess, try the creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash and spinach for a great alternative.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

FAQs

Q: Can I use dry onion powder instead of fresh onions?
A: No. Fresh onions cook down and caramelize. Powder will not give the same sweet, deep flavor.

Q: Can I cook the orzo fully before adding it to the skillet?
A: You can, but the orzo will not soak up the sauce as well. Cook it until just tender in the sauce for best texture.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free orzo or a small gluten-free pasta. Check labels for hidden gluten in broth and Worcestershire sauce.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from separating when reheating?
A: Reheat slowly and add a little broth or cream. Heat over low, and stir often until smooth.

Q: Is rotisserie chicken the best option?
A: Rotisserie chicken is an easy choice. Any cooked, shredded chicken works fine, including leftover roast or poached chicken.

Q: Can I add vegetables for more color?
A: Yes. Peas, spinach, or roasted red peppers work well. Add them near the end so they keep texture.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

You can caramelize the onions ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shred the chicken and keep it chilled. Combine the onions, orzo, chicken, broth, and cream up to a day before baking. Keep the cheese on top until ready to bake. When you are ready to serve, bake as directed until hot and bubbly.

If you need to save time on a busy day, prepare the full casserole, cool it, and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready, bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and golden on top, adding a few extra minutes if it is cold from the fridge.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A warm, creamy casserole featuring caramelized onions, tender chicken, and orzo pasta, all topped with melted cheese for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the onion mixture
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For sautéing the onions
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the onions
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced Main flavor component
  • 1 teaspoon sugar To aid in caramelization
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt For seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Added towards the end of caramelization
For the casserole
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta Main carbohydrate component
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Rotisserie chicken works well
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme For flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Liquid for cooking the orzo
  • 1 cup heavy cream Or half and half for a lighter option
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For creaminess and topping
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For flavor and creaminess
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze Optional, 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 sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are 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, allowing it to lightly toast.
  2. Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire if using. Mix well.
Pour in Liquids
  1. Add the chicken broth and cream.
  2. 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
  1. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
Bake the Casserole
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top.
  3. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve
  1. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add broth or cream when reheating for smooth texture.

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