Description
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting, savory dish that combines al dente orzo pasta with tender shredded chicken, all enveloped in a rich French onion sauce. Topped with gooey Gruyere cheese and crispy fried onions, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The deep caramelized flavor of the onions melds beautifully with the creamy sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
- 1 cup crispy fried onions, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large pot, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, reduce heat, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain any remaining liquid and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add thinly sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring for 1 minute to cook the flour. Gradually whisk in the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Add the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese, and 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions to the sauce in the skillet. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese and remaining 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg