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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a creamy, comforting one-dish meal combining tender chicken, caramelized onions, orzo pasta, and melted Gruyere cheese. Inspired by the rich flavors of French onion soup, this casserole offers a hearty, family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly using simple ingredients and finishes with a golden, bubbly bake. Perfect for weeknights or cozy gatherings, it’s an adaptable recipe with options for vegetarian, low-carb, and dairy-free variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Pasta & Grains

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh thyme leaves or parsley, about 2 tablespoons chopped

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Liquids & Oils

  • 4 cups beef or chicken broth (warm)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and develop a rich sweetness, about 30 minutes.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While the onions caramelize, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the onions are ready, push them to one side or remove them temporarily. Sear the chicken in the same pan over medium-high heat until browned on both sides but not cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Orzo: Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it well with the buttery onion mixture. Pour in the warm broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the orzo is just tender, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Combine and Assemble: Nestle the partially cooked chicken into the orzo mixture. Stir in sour cream and half of the grated cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Transfer everything to a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Top the casserole with the remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Patience in caramelizing onions is key for deep flavor.
  • Use warm broth to speed up cooking and keep orzo tender.
  • Sear chicken only partially before baking to avoid dryness.
  • Gruyere cheese adds a distinctive nutty flavor that enhances the casserole.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving to meld the flavors and improve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, orzo casserole, comfort food, one dish meal, creamy casserole

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