Description
A comforting casserole combining French onion soup flavors with chicken and orzo pasta, perfect for family dinners.
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
- 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
- Melt butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Add onions, sugar, and salt; cook for 20-25 minutes until caramelized.
- Add minced garlic during the last 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast.
- Add shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
- Add chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Add 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For maximum flavor, caramelize the onions well. Using rotisserie chicken can speed up preparation. Adjust cheese amounts for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: casserole, chicken, orzo, French onion, comfort food