Quick and Easy French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole : A Comfort Food Delight Your Family Will Love!

Name: Quick and Easy French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

Posted on November 15, 2025

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Hey there! I’m Jennifer, and today, I’m excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. This delicious dish comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot, making it a quick and easy meal perfect for those busy weeknights. Your family will love the creamy, cheesy goodness and the tantalizing flavor infused by caramelized onions! Plus, you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to use up leftovers. Let’s dive into this cozy bowl of happiness!

Ingredients You’ll Need for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

To get started on this flavor-packed casserole, gather these ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze for that extra depth of flavor

You might be looking at the list and thinking, “That seems like a lot!” But don’t worry, everything blends together so wonderfully that you’ll be amazed at the simplicity!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Follow these easy steps to whip up your casserole!

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized, giving off a sweet aroma that’ll have you salivating. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Orzo and Chicken

Stir in 1 1/2 cups of orzo pasta and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the orzo to lightly toast. Psst! This step adds an extra layer of flavor! Then, toss in the shredded chicken, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus that optional Worcestershire sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. Mix it all up until it’s well combined.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquids

Now it’s time for the good stuff! Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender. You’ll want to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon as you mix!

Step 4: Add Cheese

Once the orzo is cooking beautifully, it’s time for the creamy magic! Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Seriously, you’ll be blown away by the luscious texture and aroma that fills your kitchen!

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top, because who doesn’t love a cheesy crust?

Step 6: Serve

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before diving in. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. And there you have it a hearty French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why I Love This Recipe

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole has quickly become my go-to recipe for weekday dinners. It’s that perfect comfort food that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. I’m a real sucker for cozy meals that remind me of my childhood, and this dish checks all the boxes! The best part is how easy and versatile it is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. Last week, I even threw in some leftover broccoli, and it was a hit! If you’re looking for a reliable, quick, and satisfying option, this casserole is the way to go!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Easy Chicken Tetrazzini, my Mongolian Beef, or my Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.

One Pot

The beauty of Italian-inspired casseroles is that they come together all in one pot. Minimal cleanup? Yes, please!

Budget-Friendly

Made with affordable, everyday ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank.

Customizable

Use whatever ingredients you have on hand! Switch the chicken for turkey or add in some vegetables to create your own twist.

Comfort Food

This casserole is loaded with tons of flavor and is sure to warm your soul. It’s the kind of meal that brings the family together!

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve With This

Pair this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole with a simple side salad, some crusty bread, or even some roasted veggies to balance out the richness of the dish. You could even serve it with garlic bread for that extra touch of comfort!

Serving and Storage Tips

This casserole is best enjoyed fresh, but it holds up well in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Is It Freezer Friendly?

Yep! Feel free to make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Final Thoughts

Food is all about bringing people together, right? This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is relatable and lovely. It’s not only quick and easy but also a delightful dish your family will rave about. You won’t even have to twist their arms to clear their plates. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the warm hug this meal provides. Enjoy cooking and remember, the key is to have fun!

Thanks for joining me today, and happy cooking!

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