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French onion chicken orzo casserole topped with crispy fried onions and fresh herbs

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A rich and savory one-pan meal combining tender chicken, creamy orzo, and caramelized onions, finished with nutty Gruyère and crispy fried onions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 5 g
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta Uncooked
  • 2 large yellow onions Thinly sliced
  • 3 cups beef broth Low sodium
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced
  • 2 tablespoon butter Unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For searing
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds umami
  • ½ cup heavy cream For richness
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese Shredded
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions Store-bought topping
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley Chopped garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Deep Skillet Or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Chef's knife For slicing onions
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring

Method
 

  1. Sear seasoned chicken in olive oil in a deep skillet until golden; remove to a plate.
  2. Melt butter in the skillet and cook sliced onions for 10-12 minutes until caramelized.
  3. Add garlic and dry orzo; toast for 1 minute before adding broth and Worcestershire.
  4. Return chicken to pan; simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
  5. Stir in cream and cheese; top with crispy onions and parsley before serving.

Notes

Use beef broth for the authentic French onion soup flavor profile. Stir the orzo frequently to prevent sticking.