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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole: 30 Easy Cheesy OnePan.

  • Author: Myar Nasser
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing one-pan dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Tender browned chicken meets deeply caramelized onions, creamy orzo, and a rich sauce, all crowned with melted mozzarella or Gruyère. This easy casserole bakes to bubbling, golden perfection and serves 6 with leftovers that reheat beautifully. Ideal for weeknights or Sunday dinners, make ahead by refrigerating assembled skillet up to 24 hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt, or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add sliced onions to the pan and cook until deeply caramelized, 10–12 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the orzo, chicken broth, milk or cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
  6. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
  7. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
  • Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce.
  • For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding cheese.
  • Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.
  • Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop to oven (baked finish)
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 440 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, one-pan chicken recipe, creamy pasta bake, cheesy chicken casserole, caramelized onion chicken, weeknight dinner, oven-baked chicken and orzo, comforting casserole

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Find it online: https://www.mealprepideas.blog/french-onion-chicken-orzo-casserole/