Description
Indulge in the Cozy Comfort of French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. This dish masterfully blends the rich, savory essence of classic French onion soup with the heartiness of a satisfying casserole, creating a delightful fusion that’s perfect for family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them slowly for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re deeply golden and caramelized. Then, add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 more minute to infuse the flavors.
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Push the caramelized onions to the side of the pan and sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until it’s golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Stir the orzo into the pan with the caramelized onions. Pour in the chicken broth and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan over the orzo. Cover the dish and bake it at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the lid, shred the chicken directly in the pan, and stir to combine. Top the casserole evenly with the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses. Broil the casserole uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Adjust baking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg