French Onion Chicken Orzo
French Onion Chicken Orzo is a cozy dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and tender chicken with creamy orzo pasta. The golden, gooey cheese that melts on top creates a delightful contrast to the hearty base of this dish. Just imagine serving up a warm bowl of this comforting meal on a chilly night—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! A perfect choice for family dinners or when you’re simply craving something deliciously satisfying.
Table of Contents
What makes this recipe truly amazing is how straightforward it is, perfect for those busy weeknights or when you have guests over. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have a beautiful, soul-soothing dish ready in no time. Trust me, once you try this French Onion Chicken Orzo, it might just become your new go-to comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This meal comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for those weeknight cravings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet, savory notes from caramelized onions combined with creamy orzo are simply divine.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its golden, bubbly cheese topping, this dish will look impressive on your dinner table!
- Flexible Serving: Great for cozy family dinners or when entertaining friends, it fits any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe, making it gluten-free or lighter by using low-fat milk.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds a rich, creamy flavor essential for sautéing the onions.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking with a slightly fruity flavor that complements the butter.
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: The key ingredient for that sweet, caramelized onion flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic depth to the dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Helps caramelize the onions faster, enhancing their sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the onions.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an herby freshness; fresh thyme can be substituted if you have it on hand.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For a little warmth and spice.
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta: The star base of this dish, giving it that hearty yet creamy texture.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Perfect for using leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Adds a savory depth without being overly salty.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the dish luxuriously creamy; half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy topping.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nice, sharp flavor that balances the creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional): A splash of umami flavor, but optional if you prefer to skip it.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo
Melt Butter and Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil together. This combination not only prevents the butter from burning but also adds complexity to the flavor.
Caramelize Onions: Add the 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. It’s all about patience at this stage! When the onions are nearly done, toss in the 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Toast Orzo: Next, add 1 1/2 cups of orzo pasta to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the orzo lightly, which develops its flavor further. Stir in the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if you’re using it. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
Combine with Broth and Cream: Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add Cheese: After the orzo is cooked, fold in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the orzo mixture. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld even more beautifully. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re looking to store it longer, freeze the orzo up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When reheating, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Be aware that the texture may change slightly, but stirring in a splash of cream or broth can freshen it up.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- One common mistake is not caramelizing onions long enough; aim for that deep golden color for the best flavor.
- Make sure your chicken is already cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken works wonders here!
- Watch the orzo closely once you add the liquid. Stir regularly to prevent sticking.
- Consider topping with herbs like thyme or parsley for fresh brightness against the creamy orzo.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time; assemble it and just bake before serving.
French Onion Chicken Orzo brings a comforting combination of flavors and textures that can satisfy even the toughest cravings. The sweet creaminess from the onions melds beautifully with the hearty pasta, making each bite warm and delightful. Don’t hesitate to tweak ingredients here and there as you see fit—after all, cooking is about experimentation. So grab a fork and dig in; you’re in for a treat!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo gives a unique texture, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step. Just cover it and refrigerate it for up to a day. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge; you may need to increase the baking time slightly.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
What can I pair with French Onion Chicken Orzo for a complete meal?
This rich dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to add a refreshing, crunchy element to your meal. A light vinaigrette can balance out the creaminess perfectly!
More Dinner Recipes
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- Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping
- Creamy Tuscan Salmon
- Sheet Pan Salmon | Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
- Vegan Mac and Cheese
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📖 Recipe Card
French Onion Chicken Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of French Onion Chicken Orzo. This dish features tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and caramelized onions, perfect for a cozy meal.
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)
Instructions
- Melt the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook while stirring occasionally for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Add the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and let it cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast.
- Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Add 1 cup of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, use high-quality chicken broth.
If you prefer, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
