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.
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.