Description
A comforting casserole that combines rich flavors of French onion soup, tender chicken, and orzo pasta, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions by melting butter and olive oil in a skillet and cooking the onions with sugar and salt for 20-25 minutes, stirring until golden.
- Add orzo to the onions and toast for 2 minutes before mixing in shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream, simmer gently, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, then bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm, allowing to rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
Notes
Don’t rush the onion caramelizing process for the best flavor. Use quality chicken broth for enhanced taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: casserole, French onion, chicken, orzo, comfort food, easy recipe