Print

30-Minute French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Print Recipe

A creamy, comforting one-pan French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole featuring caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and orzo pasta baked in a rich cheesy sauce with golden crispy onions on top.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoonsunsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil
  • 2large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoonsugar
  • 1/2 teaspoonsalt
  • 3garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cupsorzo pasta
  • 2 cupscooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
  • 1/2 teaspoondried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoonblack pepper
  • 2 cupslow-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cupheavy cream orhalf and half for lighter option
  • 1 1/2 cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze for added depth
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
  2. Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast. Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire if using. Mix well.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
  4. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  6. Remove from oven, rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or thyme and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, deglaze onions with a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar before adding orzo.
Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and deeper flavor.
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter option.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo or small rice pasta.
Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.delicetreats.com/30-minute-french-onion-chicken-orzo-casserole/