Description
French Onion Chicken Orzo is a deliciously creamy and comforting one-pan meal that combines caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta baked with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This hearty dish blends French onion flavors with a cheesy, creamy texture, making it a perfect dinner option for families seeking a cozy and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized. In the last 2 minutes, stir in minced garlic to soften and infuse the onions.
- Toast Orzo and Combine Ingredients: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and develop flavor. Then, add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, freshly ground black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Simmer with Liquids: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Add Cheeses and Make Creamy Sauce: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce turns creamy and well combined.
- Bake to Finish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet dish. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown, creating a delicious crust.
- Rest and Garnish: Once baked, allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set and deepen the flavors. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired before serving to add a pop of freshness and color.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet or transfer to a baking dish for the final bake step.
- If Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze is unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.
- Feel free to substitute shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme enhances the presentation and taste.
