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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich caramelized onion flavor, tender chicken, and comforting orzo pasta. Perfect for cozy family dinners and easy casserole meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients
  • 1½ lbs chicken breast or thighs diced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Seasonings
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • Mushrooms
  • Spinach
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Crispy onions

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add sliced onions and cook for 15–20 minutes until caramelized and golden brown.
  4. Add olive oil and diced chicken to the skillet.
  5. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cook chicken until lightly browned.
  7. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  8. Add orzo pasta and stir to coat in the onion mixture.
  9. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  10. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo begins to soften.
  11. Stir in half the shredded cheese.
  12. Transfer mixture to a baking dish if needed.
  13. Top with remaining cheese.
  14. Bake for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  15. Let rest briefly before serving warm.

Notes

  • Slow-cooked onions create the best French onion flavor.
  • Gruyère cheese adds authentic taste, but mozzarella melts beautifully too.
  • Stir orzo occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Rotisserie chicken can be used for quicker prep.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days.