Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)

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French Onion Chicken Orzo is the perfect comforting dish to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Imagine creamy orzo perfectly infused with caramelized onions, juicy chicken, and melty cheese all baked to golden perfection. Each spoonful delivers a sensory experience—a little bit sweet from the onions, savory from the chicken, and rich from the cream. It transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a culinary delight, worthy of any table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
French Onion Chicken Orzo

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly autumn evening, craving something hearty yet easy to prepare. The way the aroma of caramelizing onions fills the kitchen is nothing short of magical. It’s easy to make and a budget-friendly choice. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this is it. Give it a try—I believe you’ll love it as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just about 10 minutes of prep and under an hour of cooking, you’ll have dinner ready without the hassle!
Irresistible Flavor: The rich combination of caramelized onions, garlic, and melted cheeses creates a flavor profile that is truly enchanting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bubbling golden top and creamy orzo make a delightful presentation that’s sure to impress.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy this dish any night of the week or serve it at gatherings—you’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.
Diet-Friendly Options: Looking for alternatives? You could easily swap in gluten-free orzo or dairy-free cheeses to cater to dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds a rich base flavor. You can substitute with margarine if needed.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps caramelize the onions better. Avocado oil works as a great alternative.
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: Their natural sweetness shines in this dish. Sweet onions can also work if you prefer a milder flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced: For a lovely aromatic punch, freshly minced garlic is essential.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances the savory elements. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors. Regular table salt can be used as a substitute—but go easy on it.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb adds depth and warmth. Fresh thyme can also be used; just double the amount.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides just the right kick—adjust to taste.
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta: This small pasta shape absorbs all the creamy goodness. If unavailable, substitute with another small pasta.
2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect here. You could also use canned chicken in a pinch.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and flavorful; vegetable broth works for a vegetarian option.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess. Half-and-half can be a lighter alternative but may not be as rich.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: This melty cheese creates a dreamy, gooey texture. You can mix it with provolone for extra flavor.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty depth to the dish. Pecorino Romano could be an alternative.
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional): A hint of umami. You can skip it or use another favorite sauce if desired.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo

Melt and Sauté: Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Next, add the 2 large yellow onions, the granulated sugar, and the kosher salt. Cook them gently for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. In those last 2 minutes, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves for a fragrant finish.

Toast the Orzo: Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, add 1 1/2 cups of orzo pasta to the skillet and let it cook for about 2 minutes. This toasting step helps enhance the pasta’s flavor and gives it a delightful texture.

Incorporate Ingredients: Mix in 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If you’re using it, pour in 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze. Stir everything together thoroughly.

Simmering Goodness: Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer before lowering the heat. Cover the skillet and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and all the flavors meld.

Add the Cheeses: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and all of the 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese until they’re melted and the sauce is beautifully creamy.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top and bake it uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly center and a golden brown top.

Rest and Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. If you want, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil. The texture may change slightly, but stirring in a little extra cream before reheating can help revive its deliciousness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking the Onions: Keep a close eye on the onions while caramelizing to prevent burning. They should be deeply golden but not charred.
Using Cooked Chicken: If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, you can season and bake it while working on the onions to save time.
Adjusting Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream to your liking—more if you love it extra creamy!
Baking Technique: Leaving the baking dish uncovered allows the top to brown beautifully, creating that delightful contrast with the creamy base.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the first steps a day ahead and refrigerate. Just finish baking when ready to serve!

French Onion Chicken Orzo combines the depth of French onion soup with the heartiness of a main dish, making it perfect for gathering around the table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet weeknight or sharing it with friends, this recipe is truly a winner. It’s budget-friendly, simple to whip up, and a plateful of pure comfort. Experiment with additional spices and herbs, or swap in your favorite cheeses—you really can’t go wrong with this dish. Enjoy every spoonful!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, feel free to substitute it with any small pasta like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust your cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, French Onion Chicken Orzo freezes very well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

How can I make this vegetarian-friendly?

You can easily adapt this recipe by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add in sautéed mushrooms or other favorite vegetables for heartiness.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prepare the onion and chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply finish cooking the dish, bake, and enjoy!

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French Onion Chicken Orzo

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: One Pot
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

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Description

This French Onion Chicken Orzo presents an irresistible combination of caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy cheese, making it an ideal quick dinner or comfort meal. Simple to prepare, it’s perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night in. Enjoy a hearty dish full of flavor!

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)

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Instructions

In a large oven-safe skillet, combine butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized. Stir in minced garlic for the last 2 minutes.
Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 2 minutes, then add shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if desired. Mix well.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Mix in 1 cup of mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or fresh herbs.
You can prep the caramelized onions ahead of time to save on cooking time.
This dish stores well, making it great for leftovers.