French Onion Chicken Orzo
French Onion Chicken Orzo is a delightful twist on classic French onion soup, seamlessly combining the richness of creamy orzo with tender chicken and luxurious caramelized onions. The dish features golden, melting cheese on top that creates a heavenly contrast to the soft pasta underneath. As you dig in, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors and textures that is both comforting and satisfying.
Table of Contents
I first discovered this comforting dish on a particularly chilly evening when a craving for something warm and hearty struck. It became an instant family favorite, bursting with flavor yet simple enough to whip up on busy nights. French Onion Chicken Orzo is not only packed with ingredients that are usually on hand, but it also offers a deliciously creamy and cheesy embrace that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. I truly believe you will love this recipe just as much as my family does!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This hearty meal comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The savory aroma of caramelized onions combined with rich chicken and a creamy sauce will have your mouth watering.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, bubbly cheese creates an inviting presentation that will impress your dinner guests.
- Flexible Serving: This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, and it even reheats beautifully for quick lunches.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt it to your dietary preferences, like using gluten-free orzo or dairy-free cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps caramelize the onions beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds flavor; you can also use vegetable oil.
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: Sweet yellow onions caramelize well, imparting a rich flavor to the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Enhances flavor with a fragrant kick; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: This aids in caramelizing the onions, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances flavors while helping to draw moisture from the onions.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds herbal notes; fresh thyme can be used if available for a stronger flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the overall taste; adjust to personal preference.
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta: This small pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce well.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience; roasted or grilled chicken would also work.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provide the base of flavor, allowing for a more controlled sodium content.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates creaminess; for a lighter option, you can substitute with half and half, but the texture might change slightly.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into the dish, adding creaminess and stretchy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Provides a salty punch and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional): Adds depth and complexity; try both to see which you prefer!
How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo
Melt Butter and Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil together. This combination prevents the butter from burning while adding a lovely flavor.
Caramelize Onions: Add 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, along with 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and fragrant. Toss in 3 minced garlic cloves during the last 2 minutes to infuse the dish with a delicious aroma.
Toast Orzo: Stir in 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, toasting it for about 2 minutes in the pan. This step adds a nutty flavor to the orzo, enriching the final dish.
Combine Ingredients: Add 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze, mix that in too. Combine everything thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors.
Mix in Broth and Cream: Pour in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer before reducing the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Melt Cheeses: Once cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and all 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese until melted and sauce turns creamy. The cheese adds that luxurious texture we love!
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of your orzo mixture. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before digging in.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover French Onion Chicken Orzo, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you’re looking to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You may notice some texture changes in the pasta; adding a splash of broth or cream can help refresh it and restore creaminess.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the onions; they should be deeply golden but not burnt for optimal flavor.
- A mixture of cheeses adds depth, but make sure to use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.
- Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning after adding broth and cream to suit your preferences.
- If you’re in a hurry, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra creaminess, you can add more heavy cream or cheese while reheating, ensuring a rich texture.
French Onion Chicken Orzo is a perfect choice for cozy evenings or meal prepping for the week. It combines simplicity with comfort, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying dish with minimal fuss. This recipe invites you to experiment with flavors and variations, so feel free to adjust it to make it your own! Whether enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, it promises warmth and satisfaction, inviting you to savor each bite.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes! While orzo works best in this recipe due to its size and ability to absorb flavors, you can swap it for other small pasta like ditalini or even macaroni. Just pay attention to the cooking times, as they may vary.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the recipe up to the baking step, store it covered in the fridge, and then bake when ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the dish even more!
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Using frozen chicken is fine, but keep in mind you’ll need to cook it thoroughly first. Simply boil or bake the chicken until completely cooked before shredding it for the recipe.
How can I adjust the creaminess of the dish?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. However, the texture may not be as rich. For extra creaminess, feel free to add more cheese or a touch more cream while reheating!
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📖 Recipe Card
French Onion Chicken Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This French Onion Chicken Orzo brings irresistible flavor with caramelized onions and creamy mozzarella, making it a great option for a quick and comforting meal.
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
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in minced garlic during the last 2 minutes.
- Add orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Incorporate shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and all Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Evenly sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Allow dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
Use fresh herbs for garnish for added flavor and presentation.
Ensure the onions are cooked thoroughly to achieve that rich caramelization.
Feel free to substitute with other cheeses like Gruyere for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
