If you’re craving a cozy, one-dish dinner that feels like pure comfort, this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole will steal your heart from the very first bite. Growing up, family gatherings always meant my grandma’s comforting casseroles, and this one was unforgettable. Tender chicken, deep caramelized onion flavor, and creamy orzo come together in a rich, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening. It’s the kind of recipe you turn to on busy weeknights or when friends are coming over—simple, comforting, and filled with nostalgia in every spoonful.

Key Benefits of French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

1. Nutrient-Packed: This dish combines protein from the chicken with carbohydrates from the orzo, making it a balanced meal.
2. Comfort Food: The rich flavors of caramelized onions and cheesy goodness provide the ultimate comfort.
3. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
4. Versatile: It adapts easily to your kitchen staples; you can swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
5. Make-Ahead: Perfect for meal prep or making ahead for potlucks, it retains its flavor and texture beautifully.

Ingredients for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

• 2 cups cooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

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Step-by-Step Guide for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Once the onions are caramelized, add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, caramelized onions, beef broth, and heavy cream.
6. Mix in half of the Gruyère cheese, reserving the other half for topping.
7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Top with the remaining Gruyère cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme if desired.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

When serving your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, a simple green salad is a wonderful complement, providing a crisp contrast to the creamy casserole. You might also consider pairing it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before presenting the dish. This makes not only for a savory meal but also an impressive centerpiece that guests will surely admire.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

FAQs About French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes! This casserole works well with shredded turkey or even cooked sausage for a different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?
If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss cheese or mozzarella can be a good alternative; however, Gruyère adds a unique flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, and it can be reheated later.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta of your choice.

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is not just a dish; it’s an experience, one that invites warmth and connection around the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or a cozy dinner for two, this casserole will surely bring joy to your meal. Enjoy!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, rich caramelized onions, and creamy orzo, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked orzo pasta Ensure orzo is cooked before adding.
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced Yellow or sweet onions are ideal.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For caramelizing the onions.
• 1 cup beef broth Can substitute with chicken broth.
• 1 cup heavy cream For creaminess; can use half-and-half as an alternative.
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese Can substitute with Swiss or mozzarella cheese.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder For added flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional) Adds a fresh touch.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
• Once the onions are caramelized, add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, caramelized onions, beef broth, and heavy cream.
• Mix in half of the Gruyère cheese, reserving the other half for topping.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Top with the remaining Gruyère cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme if desired.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving enhances the presentation.

Keyword Casserole, chicken recipe, Comfort Food, French Onion, Orzo

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, rich caramelized onions, and creamy orzo, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked orzo pasta Ensure orzo is cooked before adding.
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced Yellow or sweet onions are ideal.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For caramelizing the onions.
• 1 cup beef broth Can substitute with chicken broth.
• 1 cup heavy cream For creaminess; can use half-and-half as an alternative.
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese Can substitute with Swiss or mozzarella cheese.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder For added flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional) Adds a fresh touch.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
• Once the onions are caramelized, add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, caramelized onions, beef broth, and heavy cream.
• Mix in half of the Gruyère cheese, reserving the other half for topping.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Top with the remaining Gruyère cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme if desired.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving enhances the presentation.

Keyword Casserole, chicken recipe, Comfort Food, French Onion, Orzo

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, rich caramelized onions, and creamy orzo, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked orzo pasta Ensure orzo is cooked before adding.
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced Yellow or sweet onions are ideal.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For caramelizing the onions.
• 1 cup beef broth Can substitute with chicken broth.
• 1 cup heavy cream For creaminess; can use half-and-half as an alternative.
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese Can substitute with Swiss or mozzarella cheese.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder For added flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional) Adds a fresh touch.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
• Once the onions are caramelized, add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, caramelized onions, beef broth, and heavy cream.
• Mix in half of the Gruyère cheese, reserving the other half for topping.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Top with the remaining Gruyère cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme if desired.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving enhances the presentation.

Keyword Casserole, chicken recipe, Comfort Food, French Onion, Orzo