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The Ultimate French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole You’ll Crave

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  • Prep Time: 35 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 Minutes
  • Total Time: 80 Minutes
  • Yield: 8 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

How to make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole with savory caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Main Components:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, freshly shredded
  • Flavor Builders:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Seasonings & Aromatics:
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • Finishing:
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a large pot. Slowly cook thinly sliced onions over medium-low heat until deeply golden brown and sweet, about 25-30 minutes. Stir often for perfect caramelization, forming the heart of your casserole.
  2. Cook Chicken: While onions cook, season chicken breasts and cook in a separate pan until no longer pink and cooked through. Let rest, then cube or shred. This tender chicken will soon join the rich flavors of your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole.
  3. Build Sauce: To caramelized onions, stir in minced garlic and flour, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in white wine, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, thickening slightly. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer Orzo: Add orzo pasta to the simmering sauce, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 8-10 minutes. The sauce will become wonderfully creamy.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Stir cooked chicken cubes into the creamy orzo mixture. Transfer everything into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle freshly shredded Gruyere cheese over the top of this delightful French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole.
  6. Bake & Garnish: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve this comforting hug in a bowl!

Notes

Don’t rush caramelizing the onions; slow cooking develops the crucial deep, sweet French onion flavor.

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Substitute Gruyere with Swiss or Emmental cheese, but always shred fresh for best melting quality.

Serve warm and bubbly straight from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside a crisp green salad.

Prepare caramelized onions and cooked chicken 1-2 days ahead; assemble and bake orzo fresh for optimal texture.

Deglaze the chicken pan with wine for a richer sauce base, enhancing the casserole’s overall flavor.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten

Find it online: https://tastetrend.net/the-ultimate-french-onion-chicken-orzo-casserole-youll-crave/