Description
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a cozy, comforting baked dish inspired by classic French onion soup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss-style cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown chicken for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook sliced onions over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Add garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Spread uncooked orzo evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Add caramelized onions and mix well.
- Nestle browned chicken into the orzo mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until orzo is tender, chicken is cooked through, and top is lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead dinners.
- Can substitute chicken with other proteins if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: French Onion Chicken Orzo, Casserole, Comfort Food