Go Back
Easy Dinner Recipe: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines deeply caramelized onions, tender chicken, creamy orzo, and melty cheeses for a cozy, one-pan dinner inspired by classic French onion soup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner
Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)

Method
 

  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 onions are deeply caramelized. Stir in garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
  2. Add the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to lightly toast. Stir in shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
  4. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella evenly over the top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra French onion flavor, swap half the chicken broth for beef broth. Gruyère cheese can replace mozzarella for a more traditional taste.