Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 3 large onions, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup beef broth; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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This French onion chicken orzo casserole is one of those rich, comforting meals I love making when I want something cozy and filling. I really enjoy how the savory onion flavor blends into the creamy orzo and tender chicken. It feels like classic French onion soup transformed into a hearty baked casserole that’s perfect for dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings deep, slow-cooked onion flavor without being complicated. I like how the orzo absorbs all the broth and seasoning while baking, making every bite flavorful. It’s also a great one-dish meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
orzo pasta
onions, thinly sliced
garlic, minced
butter
olive oil
beef broth
chicken broth
worcestershire sauce
dried thyme
salt
black pepper
gruyère cheese, shredded
mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

I start by cooking the sliced onions in butter and olive oil over medium heat until they’re soft and deeply golden. I stir in the garlic and thyme and cook just until fragrant. I add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook briefly to lightly brown the outside. I stir in the orzo, then pour in the beef broth, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. I transfer everything to a baking dish, cover it, and bake until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through. I remove the cover, sprinkle the cheeses on top, and bake again until melted and lightly golden.

Servings and timing

I usually make this casserole to serve 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time: about 20 minutes
Baking time: about 35 minutes
Total time: approximately 55 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add mushrooms to the onions for extra depth of flavor. When I want it extra creamy, I stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking. I also like using Swiss cheese instead of Gruyère for a slightly milder taste. Fresh thyme sprinkled on top after baking adds a nice finishing touch.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it in the oven or microwave and add a little broth if the orzo has absorbed too much liquid.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I assemble it ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to one day before baking.

What type of chicken works best?

I like using thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work well too if I don’t overcook them.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

I substitute gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta and adjust the liquid as needed.

Why use both beef and chicken broth?

I like the depth the beef broth adds while the chicken broth keeps the flavor balanced.

Can I freeze this casserole?

I freeze it after baking and cooling completely, then thaw overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

French onion chicken orzo casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish I love making when I want something rich and satisfying. The combination of caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo makes this a recipe I come back to whenever I’m craving a warm, cozy dinner.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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A rich and comforting French onion chicken orzo casserole made with caramelized onions, tender chicken, creamy orzo, and melted cheeses for a cozy, one-dish dinner.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
3 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup beef broth
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until soft and deeply golden, about 15 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and dried thyme and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chicken to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook just until lightly browned on the outside.
Stir in the orzo pasta.
Pour in the beef broth, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove the foil, sprinkle Gruyère and mozzarella evenly over the top.
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving.

Notes

Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness, but breasts work well if not overcooked.
Add mushrooms to the onions for extra depth of flavor.
Stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking for extra creaminess.
Add more broth when reheating if the orzo thickens.