French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole (Creamy One-Pan Recipe)

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole transforms the savory comfort of French onion soup into a hearty, cheesy bake with tender chicken and creamy orzo. Caramelized onions bring deep, sweet flavor while orzo soaks up a rich broth infused with thyme and Gruyere for that irresistible bistro taste at home. Ready in just 45 minutes with one pan and simple ingredients, this family favorite serves 8 generously and costs under $12 to make.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks or cozy dinners, it freezes beautifully for meal prep too. Juicy shredded chicken pairs with al dente orzo in a luscious sauce topped with crispy fried onions for crunch. Everyone loves the melty cheese pull and make-ahead ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep caramelized onion flavor meets creamy, cheesy orzo in one satisfying dish.
• Uses rotisserie chicken for quick prep; stovetop-to-oven simplicity.
• Customizable with keto, vegetarian or gluten-free swaps.
• Budget-friendly, freezer-safe and reheats like a dream.
• High-protein comfort food that feels indulgent but comes together fast.

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar (helps browning)
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Casserole:

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1.5 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (divided; cheddar or mozzarella subs ok)
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Notes: Use thighs or breasts for chicken; beef broth adds extra depth. Gluten-free? Swap orzo and check broth.

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter and oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and soft. (Lower heat if browning too fast; this builds flavor.)​
2. Build the Base: Push onions to sides. Add garlic and thyme; saute 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in orzo to toast lightly for 2 minutes, coating in flavors.
3. Simmer the Orzo: Pour in broth, cream, Worcestershire and chicken. Season with pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook 8-10 minutes until orzo is mostly tender (slightly al dente).
4. Add Cheese and Bake: Stir in 1 cup Gruyere until melted. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup on top plus fried onions. Broil or bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly, golden and crispy. Rest 5 minutes before serving.​

Pro Tip: Stir halfway through simmering; if too thick, add 1/4 cup broth. Total time: 45 minutes. Serves 8.​

Helpful Tips and Variations

Make it your own with these easy tweaks:

• Keto/Low-Carb: Swap orzo for cauliflower rice; reduce broth by 1 cup. Creamy and satisfying.​
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based chicken or mushrooms; vegetable broth.​
• Crockpot Version: Caramelize onions first, then dump all in slow cooker on low 4 hours. Top with fried onions last 30 minutes.​
• Gluten-Free: GF orzo and tamari instead of Worcestershire.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble through step 3, refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake fresh.
• Thickener: If saucier needed, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with broth before adding.​

Method	Prep Time	Cook Time	Best For
Stovetop Bake	15 min	30 min	Weeknights
Crockpot	15 min	4 hours	Hands-off
Double Batch	20 min	40 min	Freezer

Nutrition

Per serving (1/8 recipe): Approximately 450 calories, 25g fat (12g sat), 30g carbs (2g fiber, 3g sugar), 28g protein. High in protein and calcium from cheese. Values approximate; track with your app.​

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Up to 4 days in airtight container. Reheat in microwave or 350°F oven with splash of broth.
• Freezer: Portion into bags; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat gently (orzo softens slightly).
• Tip: Avoid boiling leftovers; low/slow prevents mushy orzo.

What to Serve With

Pair this cozy casserole with:

• Simple green salad or roasted veggies.
• Crusty garlic bread for sauce sopping.
• Roasted asparagus or green beans.
  Try alongside cabbage roll soup or creamy chicken poblano soup for soup-and-casserole nights.​

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Common Questions

Is French onion chicken orzo casserole spicy?
No, it’s savory and mild. Add cayenne if you like heat.​

Can I freeze French onion chicken orzo casserole?
Yes! Freeze before final bake up to 2 months. Thaw and bake as directed.​

What can I substitute for Gruyere?
Swiss, sharp cheddar or mozzarella all melt beautifully.​

Make it kid-friendly?
Finely chop onions; use mild cheddar. Kids love the cheesy crunch.​

One-pan orzo sticking?
Toast first and stir often; non-stick spray helps.​

High-protein version?
Add extra chicken or chickpeas for 35g+ per serving.​

This French onion chicken orzo casserole delivers bistro comfort with caramelized sweetness, creamy orzo and melty cheese in every bite. One pan keeps it easy while the flavors impress every time. Pin for later, drop a 5-star rating if you love it, and share your tweaks in the comments!

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