Description
How to make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole with caramelized onions, tender chicken, and melted Gruyère cheese for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Flavor Builders
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Creamy Elements
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat butter and oil in large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and sweet.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Push onions to one side, add chicken to empty space. Cook 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in garlic and thyme, cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add wine and Worcestershire, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan.
- Combine Base: Add orzo, chicken broth, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir until cream cheese melts completely and mixture is smooth and creamy throughout.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup Gruyère and all Parmesan cheese. Mix until cheese melts and everything is well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer mixture to greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining Gruyère cheese, creating even layer for perfect golden browning on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil, bake 10-15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Don’t rush the onion caramelization – this is where all the flavor comes from.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight container.
- Swiss cheese can substitute for Gruyère if needed for similar results.
- Serve with crusty bread and green salad for complete meal.
- Can be assembled 24 hours ahead for easy entertaining.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving for easier portioning.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g