Description
French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole transforms the classic soup flavors you love into a hearty, cheesy bake with tender chicken, caramelized onions, and creamy orzo all in one pan. Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal cleanup, this crowd-pleasing recipe serves 8 and costs under $12 to make, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep that freezes beautifully. Sweet onions melt into savory beef broth, mingling with bubbly Gruyère for that irresistible French onion taste in casserole form.
You’ll savor every cheesy bite of this easy dinner that feels indulgent yet simple. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
Ingredients
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon sugar (helps caramelization)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for milder flavor)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 fresh sprigs)
1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (divided)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping:
1 cup crispy fried onions (canned)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. This builds the signature French onion flavor. If browning too fast, lower heat and add a splash of broth.
3. Push onions to the side. Add garlic and orzo to the pan; toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in shredded chicken, beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire, thyme, 1 cup Gruyère, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until orzo is mostly tender and sauce thickens slightly.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Gruyère and fried onions over the top. Transfer to oven and bake 12-15 minutes until cheese bubbles and golden. Broil 1-2 minutes for extra crisp if desired. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
One-pan wonder means less dishes and maximum flavor infusion.
Caramelized onions deliver deep, sweet richness without hours of stirring.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead, bake fresh, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Family-approved with customizable heat and kid tweaks.
Stovetop-Only Option: Cover after adding toppings; simmer on low 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.
Rotisserie chicken saves 15 minutes; shred while onions cook.
Don’t skip caramelization: It’s the flavor star. Patient low heat pays off.
Freeze unbaked casserole (foil-covered) up to 2 months; thaw overnight, bake as directed.
Kid-Friendly: Blend some onions or top with extra cheese to mellow savoriness.
Per serving cost: About $1.50 using budget buys.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT30M
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg