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To make this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups cooked orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, thinly sliced - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use any pasta you have instead of orzo. - If you do not have Gruyere, try Swiss cheese. - Chicken can be replaced with turkey or rotisserie chicken. - For a vegan option, use plant-based chicken and cheese. - Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Make sure you have these tools ready: - A large skillet for cooking onions. - A mixing bowl for combining the ingredients. - A 9x13-inch baking dish to hold the casserole. - A sharp knife for slicing the onion. - A wooden spoon for mixing and stirring. - An oven mitt for safely handling hot dishes. These ingredients and tools will help you create a delightful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need cooked orzo pasta, olive oil, sliced onion, minced garlic, shredded chicken, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, Gruyere cheese, mozzarella cheese, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Don't forget fresh parsley for garnish! Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important. It ensures your casserole bakes evenly and becomes bubbly. Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the onions to become soft and golden brown. This caramelization adds deep flavor. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The smell will be amazing! In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, and the caramelized onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and rosemary. Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything well. This blend creates a rich and savory base for your casserole. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the shredded Gruyere and mozzarella cheeses over the top. This cheese blend will create a delightful, gooey layer. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and get golden brown. When it’s done, take it out and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your delicious French onion chicken orzo casserole! To caramelize onions, start with a large skillet. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add your sliced onions to the skillet. Stir them every few minutes. This helps them cook evenly. You want them soft and golden brown. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. For extra flavor, add minced garlic near the end. Cook the garlic for only 2 to 3 minutes. This brings out its best taste without burning it. Use cooked chicken for this casserole. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease. It adds great flavor and saves time. Shredded chicken works best here. If you want, you can also cook your chicken. Boil or bake it until fully done. Let it cool before shredding. This way, it mixes well with the orzo and sauce. For the best cheese, use Gruyere and mozzarella. Gruyere adds a rich and nutty taste. Mozzarella gives a great stretchy melt. Mix them together for a perfect topping. Sprinkle them evenly over the casserole. Bake until bubbly and golden. If you want more flavor, try adding Parmesan. This will give your dish an extra kick. Pro Tips Caramelizing Onions: Be patient while caramelizing the onions; low and slow is key to achieving that deep, sweet flavor. Cheese Choices: You can substitute Gruyere with other cheeses like fontina or gouda for a different flavor profile. Broth Variations: Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor, or substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter version. Garnish with Freshness: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives as a garnish can elevate the dish's flavor and presentation. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a rich flavor. Add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color. This option keeps the creamy texture and savory taste. If you don’t have orzo, try using other small pasta shapes. Mini shells or bow ties work well. Just ensure you cook the pasta until al dente. This helps it hold up during baking. You can even use rice if you want a gluten-free option. Adjust cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose. Boost the flavor with more herbs like basil or oregano. A splash of white wine adds depth to the dish. You can also include sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Consider adding cooked bacon for a smoky flavor. Mixing in some peas or corn brings a sweet touch. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. To keep your French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy reheating later. Wrap each piece well in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it stays fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Simply prepare it up to the baking step. Cover the dish with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just remove the cover and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes dinner planning easy! This casserole is great on its own, but some sides can make it even better. You could serve a fresh green salad for crunch. A side of garlic bread is also nice to soak up the sauce. For a healthy twist, try steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. Yes, you can use other pasta types if you like. Small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work well. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will bake in the casserole. This way, it won’t get too soft while cooking. This post covered how to make a tasty French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. We explored key ingredients, substitutions, and needed tools. I walked you through the steps of preparation, cooking, and baking. Tips for caramelizing onions and choosing chicken added extra value. You learned about vegetarian options and how to store leftovers. In the end, this dish is simple and fun to make. I hope you feel ready to try it yourself! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting casserole featuring orzo pasta, caramelized onions, shredded chicken, and a blend of cheeses.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 15-20 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, chicken broth, caramelized onions and garlic, thyme, rosemary, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the orzo mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Keyword casserole, cheese, chicken, onion, orzo