French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
A cozy one pot meal combining the flavors of caramelized onions and creamy chicken with orzo, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless chicken thighs or breasts Rotisserie chicken can be used near the end.
- 2 large Yellow onions, sliced Sweet onions can also be used.
- 1 cup Orzo Small pasta like ditalini can be used but may require more liquid.
- 4 cups Beef or chicken broth Use beef broth for true French onion flavor; chicken is fine with extra thyme.
- 1 cup Heavy cream or half and half For dairy-free, use unsweetened oat cream or a creamy plant milk.
- 1 cup Shredded Gruyere cheese Swiss cheese is a budget-friendly swap.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard Optional for added savory flavor.
- 1 clove Garlic, minced Add for flavor.
- 1 tsp Fresh or dried thyme Italian seasoning can substitute.
- 1 tsp Sugar A pinch to help with caramelizing onions if they are not sweet enough.
- 2 tbsp Butter or oil For browning the chicken.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in butter or oil until golden but not fully cooked.
- Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook on low until soft and golden, adding broth as needed to prevent sticking.
- Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and sugar.
- Pour in broth and cream, and stir in Dijon mustard if using.
- Add orzo, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in shredded cheese and top with more cheese. Bake for a few minutes until bubbly if desired.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to thicken.
Notes
Let cool before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 36gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 14gSodium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g