French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
A comforting casserole featuring caramelized onions, chicken, and creamy orzo, perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts You can substitute turkey for a leaner option
- 1 cup orzo pasta Feel free to use whole wheat for a healthier twist
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced Sweet onions work beautifully
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced This adds depth; shallots are a lovely alternative
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Homemade is fantastic but store-bought works too
- 1 cup heavy cream Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped Or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese Swiss or mozzarella can be used if desired
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally until caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer everything to a greased baking dish and top with shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.
- Optionally, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for an extra cheesy crust.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.