Description
A comforting casserole featuring caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo that warms the heart and delights the taste buds.
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
- 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: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic before finishing.
- Add orzo and chicken: Stir in the orzo, and let it cook for two minutes. Add in your shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Pour in liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Add cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, mixing until all the cheese melts and becomes creamy.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
Don’t rush the caramelization, use rotisserie chicken for convenience, and feel free to experiment with different cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: casserole, chicken, orzo, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner