French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole: Easiest Weeknight Dinner

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Think classic French onion soup meets creamy chicken orzo, all baked together into a bubbling, cheesy casserole of pure deliciousness. This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole recipe came about on a particularly chilly evening when I was craving both soup and something substantial. The result? A family favorite that’s now a regular on our What’s for Dinner rotation.

Hello, friends! It’s Ava Morgan from RecipesOfDay. Today, I’m beyond excited to share this recipe that’s near and dear to my heart. It’s warm, it’s cheesy, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors in every spoonful!

Why You Will Love This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a hug in a dish! The sweet, caramelized onions paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo create a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, it’s a fantastic, one-dish What’s for Dinner solution for busy weeknights.

What makes this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole recipe so special is its simplicity. It uses readily available ingredients and comes together in under an hour. But the real magic? The layers of flavor that develop as it bakes, transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration!

Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile. It can be easily adapted to suit your dietary needs or preferences. From using gluten free orzo to adding different cheeses, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to serve over some buttery toasted bread.

Ingredients Needed for This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

• For the Chicken and Orzo:

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded * 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked * 4 cups chicken broth * 1 tablespoon olive oil

• For the French Onion Base:

* 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced * 2 tablespoons butter * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 teaspoon sugar * 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme * 1/4 cup dry sherry or dry white wine (optional) * 4 cups low sodium beef broth * Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Casserole:

* 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided * 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided * 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley * Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

1. 1. Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo, reduce heat, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid.

1. 2. Caramelize the Onions: While the orzo is cooking, melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Be patient; this step is crucial for the flavor! If you are looking for a dish with onions, I would highly recommend checking out this Onion Boil.

1. 3. Deglaze the Pan: If using, pour in the sherry or wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, then add the beef broth and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. 4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, and caramelized onion mixture. Mix well to combine.

1. 5. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Pour half of the orzo mixture into the dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of Gruyere cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining orzo mixture, then sprinkle with the remaining Gruyere, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.

1. 6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

1. 7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

How to Serve This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a few simple sides. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad, some crusty bread for dipping, or roasted asparagus.

For a more complete meal, try it with a side of steamed green beans or a simple tomato salad. Another suggestion is this Hawaiian Chicken Salad A Tropical Twist On A Classic Favorite.

How to Store This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftover French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight, freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option. Consider drizzling some olive oil on top when reheating as it may have dried out.

Tips to Make This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

• Ingredient Swaps: Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut! You can also substitute the Gruyere cheese with Swiss cheese or Fontina cheese.
• Success Tips: Don’t rush the caramelization of the onions. This is key to the flavor. Low and slow is the way to go!
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the orzo. Make sure it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Using pre shredded cheese as it does not always melt as well.
• Pro Tips for Best Results: Add a splash of heavy cream to the orzo mixture for extra creaminess, just before putting the casserole in the dish. This can help it be a nice and rich dish.

Helpful Notes for This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

• Onions: Use yellow onions for the best flavor. They caramelize beautifully. If you want less of an onion taste, you can try using Vidalia onions.
• Cheese: Gruyere cheese adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that complements the caramelized onions perfectly.
• Equipment: A 9x13inch casserole dish is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use a smaller dish if you prefer a thicker casserole. You can also try out this Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole.

Variation of This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

• Seasonal Twists: Add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted root vegetables for a fall-inspired version.
• Optional Versions: Use different cheeses! Try adding some cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile. You can also add bacon for more of a meaty taste.
• Creative Modifications: Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onion mixture. Or, add some chopped fresh rosemary for an herby twist.

Conclusion

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a delightful twist on classic comfort food, perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do! Please comment below with any questions or variations you try, and let me know What’s for Dinner tonight!

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