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A bubbling French onion chicken orzo casserole, fresh from the oven, garnished with herbs.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese with tender chicken and orzo pasta, baked into a comforting and bubbling dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc) optional
  • 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded divided
  • 1 cup Provolone cheese, shredded divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Caramelize Onions

  • Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat, then add sliced onions and cook for 25-35 minutes until deeply golden brown and soft. Stir in minced garlic for one minute until fragrant.

Deglaze (Optional)

  • If using, add white wine to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits; simmer for 2-3 minutes until almost evaporated.

Build Orzo Base

  • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, then stir in uncooked orzo, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Cook Orzo

  • Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is mostly cooked but still al dente.

Add Chicken & Adjust Seasoning

  • Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, then taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Cheese Time

  • Sprinkle half of the Gruyère and Provolone cheeses over the mixture; stir gently until melted and combined.

Bake to Perfection

  • Top with the remaining cheeses, then bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Rest for a few minutes before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For richer flavor, ensure onions are deeply caramelized. Adjust seasoning to your preference after adding chicken. You can prepare the chicken ahead of time to reduce overall prep time for the casserole. If you don't have Gruyère, Swiss cheese can be a good substitute. Be careful not to overcook the orzo in the initial simmering stage as it will continue to cook in the oven.