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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey Gruyère cheese baked to golden perfection. Inspired by classic French onion soup, this easy one-pan casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
  3. Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked orzo, caramelized onion mixture, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir until evenly mixed.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  6. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil, stir gently, then sprinkle the Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Notes

Caramelizing the onions slowly creates the signature rich French onion flavor.
Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.
Freshly grated Gruyère melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Add sliced mushrooms or baby spinach for extra flavor and vegetables.
If the casserole thickens after refrigeration, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk before reheating.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooled leftovers for up to 3 months.