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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food dinner made with caramelized onions, tender chicken, rich broth, and baked orzo pasta. Inspired by french onion chicken bake recipes, it’s cozy, hearty, and perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Onion Base
  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Orzo Casserole
  • 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Garnish
  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra thyme
  • Crispy onions

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish.
  2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add onions and cook for 20–25 minutes until caramelized.
  4. Stir in garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook 1 minute.
  5. Add dry orzo and stir for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Stir in cooked chicken.
  8. Mix in half of the Gruyère and mozzarella cheese.
  9. Transfer mixture to casserole dish.
  10. Top with remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
  11. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  12. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions slowly gives the best flavor.
  • Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience.
  • Gruyère cheese provides classic French onion flavor.
  • Similar to french onion chicken and rice casserole but creamier with orzo.
  • Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days.
  • Freeze up to 2 months.