French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole 1 Pan Perfection

Oh my goodness you have to try this dish. It is like the ultimate hug in a bowl. I was thinking about how much I love French onion soup and then I thought why not make it a full meal? This dish brings together those sweet caramelized onions and tender chicken with orzo pasta. The smell while those onions cook is just heavenly. It is the kind of meal that makes everyone run to the kitchen as soon as they walk through the door. It is perfect for those crazy weeknights when you want something that feels fancy but is actually really simple to throw together.

Why You Will Love This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

You are going to absolutely love the flavor here. We are using a rich and savory beef broth that soaks into every single piece of orzo. It creates this deep and cozy taste that goes so well with the melted cheese on top. I really prefer using orzo over regular pasta or rice for this because it has such a velvety texture that holds onto the sauce. Plus it is a one pan meal. That means you are not going to be stuck at the sink scrubbing pots all night which is a huge win in my book.

Ingredients for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Here is what you need to get this started. We are using beef broth instead of wine to deglaze the pan because it keeps that dark and rich flavor profile we want.

• 2 lbs chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces
• 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
• 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This whole process takes about an hour but most of that is just letting things cook down and get delicious. Do not rush the onions because they are the star of the show.

Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting your butter in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in those sliced onions and just let them cook slowly. You want them to reach a deep golden brown color which usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. If the pan starts to look a little dry or the onions are sticking just add a splash of your beef broth to help scrape up those tasty browned bits from the bottom.

Sear the Chicken

Once the onions are perfect just push them over to the side of the skillet. Add your chicken pieces right into the middle. Sprinkle in your salt pepper and thyme. Let the chicken brown on all sides for about 5 minutes. You do not need to worry about cooking it all the way through right now because it is going to finish up perfectly in the oven later.

Toast the Orzo and Simmer

Now stir in the minced garlic and the dry orzo. I like to let the orzo toast for about 2 minutes until it smells really fragrant. Then pour in all of that beef broth. Give it a good stir and bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer. Make sure the orzo is mostly submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.

Bake the Casserole

Take that shredded cheese and pile it all over the top. Put your skillet into a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to be all bubbly and melted and for the orzo to have absorbed all that delicious broth.

Success Tips for Your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

If you have a heavy bottomed cast iron skillet definitely use it for this recipe. It helps distribute the heat so much better and gives the onions a great color. I always recommend checking the orzo around the 15 minute mark in the oven. You want it to be tender but you definitely do not want it to get mushy or overcooked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One thing to watch out for is the liquid level. Orzo is like a little sponge and it absorbs liquid incredibly fast. If you look at your skillet before it goes into the oven and it seems a bit dry go ahead and add another half cup of broth. It is much better to have a little extra sauce than a dry casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

• Can I use chicken thighs? Yes you can definitely use chicken thighs. They stay very moist and are a great alternative if you prefer them over breasts.
• What can I use instead of Gruyere? If you cannot find Gruyere a good Swiss cheese or even a sharp white cheddar will work beautifully.
• How do I store leftovers? Just put any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you go to reheat it add a little splash of broth to bring back that creamy texture.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this casserole contains approximately:

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 3g

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