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A steaming French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, freshly baked and bubbling.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines savory caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo pasta, topped with melty Gruyère and mozzarella cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio (optional)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • 9x13 inch baking dish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat, then add sliced onions and cook for 25-35 minutes until deeply golden and soft.
  2. Remove the onions and set aside; increase heat to medium-high, add chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly seared.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic for 1 minute, then pour in white wine (if using) and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
  4. Stir in chicken broth, uncooked orzo, dried thyme, and half of the caramelized onions; bring to a simmer, then stir in heavy cream.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo mixture; if needed, transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Combine Gruyère and mozzarella, then sprinkle half over the casserole, scatter the remaining onions, and top with the rest of the cheese.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until orzo is tender, chicken cooked, and cheese is bubbly golden.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, use a good quality dry white wine. Be patient when caramelizing the onions, as this step is crucial for the recipe's depth of flavor. If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, a 9x13 inch baking dish works perfectly for assembling and baking the casserole.