Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
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)

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

Scale

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)

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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