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A steaming French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, freshly baked and bubbling.

Classic French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This comforting casserole features tender chicken and orzo pasta baked in a rich, savory sauce with caramelized onions and topped with bubbly Gruyère cheese. It's a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven-Safe Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Lid or Foil

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 3 large Yellow Onions thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta uncooked
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium)
  • 0.5 cup Dry White Wine optional
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Gruyère Cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley for garnish, chopped

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Caramelize onions by heating olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sliced yellow onions for 20-30 minutes until deeply golden and tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Add minced garlic and dried thyme to the caramelized onions and cook for one minute until fragrant. Push the onions to one side, increase heat to medium, and brown the chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes until lightly seared.
  • If using, add dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for one minute until the wine is mostly evaporated.
  • Stir in orzo, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf; bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Cover the skillet tightly and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, uncover, and stir gently, then sprinkle with Gruyère cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, caramelize the onions slowly to achieve a deep, rich flavor. You can prepare these ahead of time to reduce overall cooking duration. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.