French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Introduction

Welcome to a delightful fusion of flavors in this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole recipe. Combining the rich and savory essence of French onion soup with the heartiness of chicken and orzo pasta, this casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that will warm both your kitchen and your soul.

Originating from the classic French onion soup, this casserole brings a unique twist by incorporating tender chicken pieces and orzo pasta, creating a satisfying and hearty meal. The caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned chicken come together to form a dish that is both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Onion Mixture:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, diced
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Orzo Layer:

• 1 ½ cups (300g) uncooked orzo pasta
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) shredded Gruyere cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the onions. Stir for another minute.
4. Push the onion mixture to the side of the skillet and add the diced chicken. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
5. In a separate pot, cook the orzo according to package instructions but slightly undercook it by 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine the cooked orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream in a bowl.
7. Layer half of the orzo mixture in the prepared baking dish.
8. Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyere cheese over the orzo.
9. Top with the chicken and onion mixture.
10. Layer the remaining orzo mixture on top.
11. Sprinkle the rest of the Gruyere cheese over the top.
12. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
13. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole!

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 65 minutes

Serving Size: 6 servings

Difficulty: Medium

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
• To add a crunchy texture, top the casserole with breadcrumbs before baking.
• This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a 350°F (180°C) oven until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 480

Protein: 28g

Carbohydrates: 42g

Fat: 20g

Fiber: 3g

Conclusion

Now that you have the steps to create this delicious French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, it’s time to get cooking and savor the comforting flavors of this dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to be a hit at your table. Share your experience with us and let us know how you enjoyed this flavorful creation!