Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

  • Author: Recipe Inspire
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is cozy, creamy, and bursting with deep caramelized onion flavor. Tender chicken, toasted orzo, and melted Gruyère come together in a one-pan, oven-baked dish that’s perfect for weeknights or comforting family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for caramelizing)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and caramelized.
  4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook 4–5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.
  6. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Pour in the broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  8. Bring to a simmer, then cover the skillet and transfer to the oven.
  9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  10. Remove from oven, top with Gruyère and mozzarella, then return to the oven uncovered for 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For deeper French onion flavor, cook the onions even longer before adding the chicken. Replace Gruyère with Swiss or provolone if desired. If the mixture thickens too much, stir in extra broth before serving. This casserole reheats beautifully for meal prep.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: french onion chicken orzo, chicken orzo casserole, creamy orzo bake, french onion casserole, one-pan chicken orzo, easy comfort food

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://recipeinspire.com/french-onion-chicken-orzo-casserole-2/