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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting casserole that combines the flavors of caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo for a cozy family meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease or freshly cooked chicken breast.
  • 1 cup orzo pasta This small pasta is perfect for absorbing flavors and gives a lovely texture.
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced Use sweet onions for a hint of natural sugar that beautifully caramelizes.
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced For depth and aromatic goodness; do not skip this!
  • 2 cups chicken broth Homemade or store-bought, but low-sodium is preferred to control salt levels.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For that indulgent creaminess; substitute Greek yogurt if you prefer a healthier option.
  • 1 teaspoon thyme, dried or fresh A lovely herb that adds earthiness and warmth.
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese The classic choice, though you can swap it with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential for balancing the flavors.
  • as needed olive oil For sautéing the onions.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are soft and deeply golden brown.
  3. Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, orzo, and the caramelized onion mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir until everything is well combined.
  5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the Gruyère cheese generously over the top.
Cooking
  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  2. Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through. This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months.