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French Onion Chicken Orzo

French Onion Chicken Orzo
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French Onion Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines caramelized onions, tender chicken, and delicate orzo pasta in a rich beef broth base. Ready in under 40 minutes, this cozy dish delivers hearty, savory goodness perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends, topped with melty Gruyère or Swiss cheese for an irresistible finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Liquids & Fats

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme (or substitute rosemary or sage)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese (Optional)

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (alternatives: Parmesan or mozzarella)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly. In a large pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently for 25-30 minutes, until they turn golden brown and are sweetly caramelized, releasing their natural sugars and rich flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: While the onions cook, season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high, add a little oil to the pan, and sear the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Combine and Simmer: Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves, stirring to deglaze the pan. Return the chicken to the pan and bring everything to a simmer.
  4. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta directly to the simmering broth. Stir well, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the broth, creating a creamy consistency.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish: If using cheese, sprinkle Gruyère or Swiss over the chicken and orzo. Place the pan under a broiler or cover and allow the cheese to melt and bubble. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Patience is key: slow caramelization of onions unlocks full flavor.
  • Use high-quality beef broth for deep savory taste.
  • Sear chicken well to lock in juices and keep it tender.
  • Do not overcook orzo; aim for al dente texture.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after cooking.
  • For vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit or replace chicken.
  • Stir orzo frequently during cooking to prevent sticking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion chicken orzo, one-pot meal, caramelized onions, cozy dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight recipe

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