Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or Swiss recommended); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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A Comforting Delight for Your Dinner Table

Warm up your dinner table with this delectable French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole! Packed with savory flavors and creamy textures, this dish is a delightful twist on a classic. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, the rich taste of caramelized onions melds beautifully with tender chicken and orzo pasta. Plus, it’s an easy, one-pan recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

📝 Ingredients List

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (use smoked chicken for extra flavor)
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or Swiss recommended)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

Large skillet or frying pan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups & spoons
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula
Baking dish

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 🔥
Cook the orzo: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, dice the onion into small, even cubes and add to the skillet.
Add garlic: Cook for about 5 minutes until onions are soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. 🧄
Combine ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken, beef broth, heavy cream, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Mix in orzo: Add the cooked orzo and stir until combined. The sauce should be slightly thick and glossy.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake: Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy! 🍽️

💡 Pro Tips Section

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Substitutions: Feel free to switch out the chicken for rotisserie chicken or even turkey.
Meal prep: Prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate. Just combine with orzo and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Serving ideas: Pair this casserole with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

📊 Nutrition Table

| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|————–|———-|———|——-|—–|——-|——-|
| 1 plate | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: Consider using whole wheat orzo and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, it freezes well! Just portion it out and store in freezer-safe containers. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Q: What other meats can I use?
A: You can experiment with turkey or even beef if you prefer a heartier dish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or grain.