Description
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish made with caramelized onions, juicy chicken thighs, orzo pasta, and melty gruyère cheese. It’s the perfect family dinner casserole with bold French flavors, ideal for cozy nights and easy meal prep.
Ingredients
2 large yellow onions
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken or beef broth
1.5 cups shredded gruyère cheese
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Thinly slice the onions and cook them in butter over medium-low heat for 30 to 40 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet until browned on both sides.
3. In a large casserole dish, add the uncooked orzo, minced garlic, caramelized onions, and thyme. Pour in broth and mix.
4. Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the orzo mixture.
5. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
6. Remove foil, top with shredded gruyère, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Caramelize the onions low and slow for best flavor.
Use gruyère cheese for authentic French flavor, or substitute with Swiss.
Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep the orzo creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg