French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole: A symphony of savory flavors in a one-dish wonder! Imagine a healthy, quick, and unbelievably delicious meal that transforms your kitchen into a cozy bistro. I promise, this recipe will bring joy to your weeknights and is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Serve it on a Monday or freeze it for a cozy night.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
For years, my family’s Sunday dinners lacked a certain je ne sais quoi. We were stuck in a rut of predictable roasts and sides. Then, during a Parisian vacation, I fell in love with the simplicity and depth of French onion soup. Inspired, I returned home determined to translate those comforting flavors into a complete family meal. After much experimentation, the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole was born – a dish that finally brought a touch of French flair (and enthusiastic silence!) to our dinner table.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 6 cups chicken broth, divided
- Onions:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prep Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss chicken with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Sauté Onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized (about 30-40 minutes).
- Cook Orzo: While the onions are cooking, place the cut chicken in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add uncooked orzo and 5 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Make Sauce: Sprinkle flour over caramelized onions and stir constantly and add them to the baking dish with the chicken and orzo.
- Add white wine and Worcestershire sauce to the baking dish. Stir to combine. Top with thyme and the remaining chicken broth.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle Gruyere and Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Broil (Optional): Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole!
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss chicken with olive oil, salt and pepper.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized (about 30-40 minutes).3 large yellow onions, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- While the onions are cooking, place the cut chicken in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add uncooked orzo and 5 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup orzo pasta, 6 cups chicken broth
- Sprinkle flour over caramelized onions and stir constantly and add them to the baking dish with the chicken and orzo.3 large yellow onions, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Add white wine and Worcestershire sauce to the baking dish. Stir to combine. Top with thyme and the remaining chicken broth.1/2 cup dry white wine, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 6 cups chicken broth
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle Gruyere and Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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