French Onion Chicken Orzo
French Onion Chicken Orzo is a delightful blend of comforting flavors and creamy textures that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Imagine tender orzo pasta enveloped in a rich sauce made luscious with heavy cream and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. This dish offers a unique twist on traditional French onion soup and will quickly become a staple in your home. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or when you’re hosting friends and family, as it offers the kind of warmth that feels like a big hug.
Table of Contents
I first discovered this comforting recipe while looking for ways to combine my love for French onion soup with something a bit more substantial. As I experimented, I found that adding shredded chicken brought an extra layer of flavor, making it a complete meal in one skillet. If you’re in search of a quick and affordable dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction, look no further than this French Onion Chicken Orzo. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in about an hour, this recipe is straightforward enough for any home cook.
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet, caramelized onions combine beautifully with the richness of the cream and cheese for a dish that’s simply irresistible.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish not only tastes great but also looks impressive, with its bubbling cheese topping.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in.
- Comfort Food: It’s warming and hearty, making it the ideal dish for chilly evenings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This rich fat adds depth and flavor to the caramelized onions.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the onions, it complements the butter and prevents burning.
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: These provide the hallmark sweetness associated with French onion dishes.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic enhances the dish with an aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Helps caramelize the onions, balancing out their natural acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for drawing out the moisture from the onions.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a warm herbal note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For a gentle bite that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta absorbs the flavors of the dish and gives it a unique texture.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: A great source of protein that makes this dish filling and hearty.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture and flavor without the excess salt.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the dish wonderfully creamy and rich.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and contributes that gooey, cheesy texture we love.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp flavor component to enhance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional): Deepens the flavor profile and adds a hint of sweetness.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo
Melt the Butter and Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 large yellow onions that you’ve thinly sliced, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. This mix will start the caramelization process—cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes, until the onions are golden and fragrant. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves during the last 2 minutes for a aromatic punch.
Toast the Orzo: Add 1 1/2 cups of orzo pasta to the skillet, allowing it to lightly toast for about 2 minutes. This step not only adds flavor but also helps the orzo hold its shape during cooking. Next, incorporate 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If you’re using it, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze for an additional flavor dimension.
Simmer: Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and cover the skillet. Allow it to cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid—check for doneness and tenderness.
Melt the Cheeses: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and all 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. The pasta should look luxuriously coated after this step, making it hard to resist the urge to dig in right away.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. The visual feedback will be that lovely bubbling around the edges and a beautiful golden crust.
Rest and Serve: After baking, let the dish rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color before serving.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, let them cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep the French Onion Chicken Orzo in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, place it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh its texture. Heat until warmed through, usually around 5 to 7 minutes.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid burning the onions by reducing the heat if they’re cooking too quickly—patience is key to achieving that perfect caramelization.
- Keep the shredded chicken on hand to save time—using rotisserie chicken is a quick option that works wonderfully here.
- For a little extra texture, consider adding in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
- If the dish seems too thick, stir in a bit more broth or cream during the reheating process for the ideal consistency.
- This orzo is a perfect make-ahead dish! Prepare it a day in advance, simply reheat and bake before serving.
French Onion Chicken Orzo is sure to become a comforting staple in your household. It combines familiar flavors in a new and satisfying way, creating a dish that invites seconds. Don’t hesitate to add your own spin—perhaps tossing in a handful of spinach or using different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless! Next time you’re in the mood for something cozy, remember this creamy dish’s ease and heartwarming qualities.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! You can substitute orzo with any small pasta like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas may require varying lengths to cook through.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step and then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to serve, bake it until hot and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and replacing the broth with vegetable broth. Adding some hearty veggies or beans will help maintain the dish’s substance.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Leftovers freeze well in airtight containers for up to three months. Just remember that the texture might change slightly upon reheating, so adding a bit of cream or broth can help revive it.
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📖 Recipe Card
French Onion Chicken Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
French Onion Chicken Orzo combines the satisfying taste of caramelized onions and creamy pasta for an unforgettable meal. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy nights in, sure to please any food lover.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and lightly toast for 2 minutes. Mix in the shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and cover, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley as a garnish.
You can substitute the cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for quicker prep time.
For a lower calorie option, use light cream instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
