Description
This Easy French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion with tender shredded chicken and creamy orzo pasta, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection with Gruyère. A comforting one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. This develops the rich French onion flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked orzo, fresh or dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the caramelized onions. Cook together for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors and slightly toast the orzo.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed and the broth starts to warm the orzo.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly, then transfer the orzo and chicken mixture into the dish evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the casserole dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the orzo to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Make sure to caramelize the onions slowly to develop deep flavor — rushing this step can result in less sweetness and complexity.
- If desired, substitute Gruyère with a similar melting cheese like Swiss or mozzarella.
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Low-sodium broth helps control the saltiness; adjust seasoning at the end if needed.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
