Description
Craving a cozy, comforting dinner? This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is your answer. With caramelized onions, creamy orzo, juicy shredded chicken, and golden Gruyere cheese on top, it’s the perfect easy dinner idea for busy nights or when you need comfort food fast. Ideal for meal prep, easy recipes, and family food ideas.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1.5 cups uncooked orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
0.5 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1.5 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
0.5 cup crispy fried onions
Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add the sliced onions. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring often, until caramelized and golden brown.
2. Add garlic and thyme to the onions. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken and uncooked orzo.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with 1 cup Gruyere. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Remove foil, add remaining 0.5 cup Gruyere and crispy fried onions. Bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
This dish is best served hot and fresh from the oven.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time and deepen the flavor.
Let the onions caramelize fully—don’t rush! They’re the soul of this dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: easy recipe, comfort food, casserole, chicken orzo, dinner ideas