French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole: The Ultimate Cozy Fall Casserole 🧅🍗🍝
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for the perfect French Onion Dinner Recipes that combine rich, savory flavors with the comfort of a warm casserole, look no further than our French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. This dish is a delightful blend of tender shredded chicken, caramelized onions, and fluffy orzo pasta, baked to perfection in a flavorful French onion-inspired sauce. Whether you’re looking for cozy fall casseroles or quick autumn chicken dinner ideas, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s an easy dinner with leftovers and a favorite among fans of Pasta Recipes and Chicken Recipes.
2. Ingredients for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked ahead)
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
3. How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
**1. Caramelize the Onions**
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deep golden brown and caramelized. This process takes about 20-30 minutes, but ensures a rich, sweet flavor that is the hallmark of cozy fall casseroles and autumn chicken dinner ideas.
**2. Cook the Orzo Pasta**
While the onions are caramelizing, bring the broth to a boil in a separate pot. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
**3. Combine Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, caramelized onions, cooked orzo, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and transfer everything to a greased casserole dish.
**4. Prepare the French Onion Sauce**
In a small saucepan, warm the remaining broth with additional caramelized onion bits, if desired, and stir in some grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese, allowing it to melt into a flavorful sauce reminiscent of French onion soup. Pour this over the casserole mixture.
**5. Bake the Casserole**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and hot throughout. Remove the foil and sprinkle additional cheese on top, then bake uncovered for an extra 5 minutes to get a perfectly melted, golden crust.
4. Storage Tips for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
This one pot casserole recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through or bake in the oven at 350°F until hot. For future meals, consider making a double batch—you’ll love having this easy dinner with leftovers.
5. Serving Suggestions for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
This comforting cozy casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance its richness. Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. For a complete meal, check out our Korean Ground Beef Bowl for a contrasting flavor profile or enjoy as a hearty main dish that works for easy dinner ideas.
6. Variations & Tips for the Best French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
- Substitute different cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan to vary the flavor
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies
- Use precooked rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal
- Try different herbs such as rosemary or sage for a unique twist
7. Related Recipes for Cozy Fall Casseroles
8. FAQs about French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
**Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?**
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready. This makes it an ideal easy dinner with leftovers.
**Q: Can I freeze leftovers?**
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick, cozy fall casserole.
**Q: Is this recipe suitable for kids?**
Definitely! The creamy, cheesy flavor combined with tender chicken and pasta makes it a kid-friendly family favorite.
9. Conclusion
Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this orzo chicken casserole that perfectly captures the essence of cozy casseroles and comfort foods. Ideal for fall evenings or busy weeknights, this dish offers an irresistible combination of caramelized onions, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness. Be sure to incorporate this Autumn chicken dinner ideas into your recipe rotation for a comforting, satisfying meal every time!
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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is the ultimate cozy fall casserole combining tender shredded chicken, caramelized sweet onions, fluffy orzo pasta, and a flavorful cheesy French onion-inspired sauce. Perfect for comforting family dinners or make-ahead meals, this baked casserole delivers rich, savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked ahead)
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deep golden brown and caramelized (about 20-30 minutes).
- While the onions caramelize, bring the broth to a boil in a separate pot. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain excess liquid and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, caramelized onions, cooked orzo, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and transfer to a greased casserole dish.
- In a small saucepan, warm remaining broth with optional caramelized onion bits and stir in grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese until melted, creating a French onion-inspired sauce. Pour this sauce over the casserole mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and hot. Remove foil, sprinkle additional cheese if desired, and bake uncovered for an extra 5 minutes for a golden crust.
Notes
- Substitute different cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan for varied flavors.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Use precooked rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
- Try herbs such as rosemary or sage for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
