French Onion Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot dish that combines the sweet richness of caramelized onions with tender shredded chicken and creamy cheesy orzo. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole brings together classic flavors in an easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for lighter option)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for added depth)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix well to combine.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
6. Step 6: Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half and half or whole milk.
• Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
• If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, add a bit more Parmesan on top before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to keep it creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute instead of heavy cream. Choose dairy-free cheese to keep it fully dairy-free.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prepare the caramelized onions and cooked chicken ahead. Assemble and refrigerate the orzo mixture before baking. Add cheese topping and bake just before serving for best results.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 149 reviews

This French Onion Chicken Orzo is a comforting, creamy one-pan meal featuring deeply caramelized onions, tender orzo pasta, and shredded chicken, all baked with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden, bubbly perfection. It combines the rich flavors of classic French onion soup with the heartiness of a chicken casserole, making it an ideal cozy dinner option.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Orzo and Chicken

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)

Cheese and Optional Flavoring

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze for added depth

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions along with sugar and salt. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized. Add minced garlic and stir for the last 1 to 2 minutes to infuse the flavor.
2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to lightly toast and absorb the onion flavors. Then add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix everything well to combine the ingredients evenly.
3. Pour in Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the grated Parmesan until the cheeses melt into the creamy mixture, creating a rich texture.
5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella evenly over the top of the skillet. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired to add a pop of color and fresh aroma.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half and half as noted.
• If you prefer a vegetarian adaptation, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
• Make sure to stir occasionally during caramelizing onions to avoid burning and to achieve the perfect golden color.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Worcestershire sauce can add a slightly tangy depth, but it’s optional and can be skipped if you prefer.

Keywords: French Onion Chicken Orzo, caramelized onion casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, one-pan dinner, cheesy orzo recipe