Classic French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Enjoy a comforting and rich Classic French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, a perfect blend of sweet caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo, all topped with gooey melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. This hearty dish is ideal for a satisfying family meal.
Equipment
- oven-safe skillet
- Dutch oven
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3-4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 bay leaf optional
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and soft.
- Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- If using, pour in dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits; simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and a bay leaf (if using), then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cooked chicken and uncooked orzo, mixing well to combine.
- Remove the bay leaf, then stir in half of the shredded Gruyère cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season generously with fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper, and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Top with remaining Gruyère and Parmesan, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Notes
Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing a rich flavor for this casserole. For a deeper flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. You can prepare the chicken ahead of time by boiling or roasting it, then shredding or dicing it to save on prep time. If you don't have Gruyère, Swiss cheese can be a good substitute. Always taste and adjust seasonings at step 7 to ensure the casserole is perfectly flavored before baking.