Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Comfort Food
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)

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French Onion Chicken Orzo is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of creamy comfort food in one delightful pot. With luscious orzo, tender chicken, and richly caramelized onions, it’s a dish that beckons you to the dinner table with both its inviting aroma and satisfying taste. This recipe combines the best elements of French onion soup and hearty pasta, merging them into an easy meal your family will love.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
French Onion Chicken Orzo

I first stumbled upon this delightful blend while craving the savory goodness of French onion soup in a more substantial form. Instead of sipping soup, I wanted something that would not only fill me up but also comfort me on a chilly evening. The flavors are familiar yet remarkably elevated, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep time is just 10 minutes, and the total dish is ready in under an hour!
Irresistible Flavor: The comforting combination of caramelized onions, rich cream, and melty cheese will have everyone asking for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bubbling cheese on top gives it a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, this dish works great for dinner parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can adjust ingredients for gluten-free or lower-fat variations without compromising flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is the foundation of our flavor, bringing richness to the dish. You can substitute with ghee for a dairy-free option.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a nice depth and prevents the butter from burning. Alternatively, avocado oil works well.
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: Sweet and tender, these onions caramelize beautifully. Red onions can be used for a slightly different flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic enhances the savory notes of the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Just a touch encourages the onions to caramelize and deepen their flavor. You can skip this if preferring a lower-sugar dish.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for flavor enhancement and ensuring the dish is well-seasoned.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers earthiness that ties everything together. Fresh thyme can be used for a fresher flavor.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick; adjust according to taste.
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta soaks up flavors well. You could substitute it with another small pasta if needed.
2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Conveniently adds protein; rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver here.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: A flavorful base for cooking the orzo, helping to maintain the overall seasoning in balance.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that elevates the dish to comfort food status. For a lighter version, half-and-half can be substituted.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts delightfully and adds that gooey texture we love. You could use provolone for a sharper flavor.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste. Nutritional yeast is a wonderful dairy-free alternative.
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional): Adds a hint of sweetness and depth. If you prefer, a splash of soy sauce can work too.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo

Melt the Butter and Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet, combine 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onions along with 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally for 20 to 25 minutes, until the onions are beautifully caramelized and deeply golden. In the last 2 minutes, stir in the minced garlic.

Toast the Orzo: Add 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring often so it toasts lightly for about 2 minutes. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor, giving a slightly nutty taste to the finished dish.

Combine Ingredients: Next, incorporate 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, add it now. Mix everything together thoroughly so that the flavors meld beautifully.

Simmer with Broth and Cream: Pour in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the creamy goodness.

Stir in Cheese: Once the orzo is soft, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and all 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is beautifully creamy. The cheese not only adds flavor, but contributes to that comforting texture we all love.

Bake for a Perfect Finish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Let it Rest: Before serving, let your dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve. If you like, garnish with some fresh thyme or parsley.

Storing & Reheating

To store, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you need to freeze it, place the cooled orzo in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring often, or warm it over low heat in a saucepan. Note that the orzo may absorb more liquid upon reheating, so adding a splash of broth or cream can refresh the texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When caramelizing the onions, keep the heat moderate. Too high, and they’ll burn instead of sweeten.
Let your cooked chicken come to room temperature before shredding. This keeps it more tender.
Mix things up! Feel free to toss in some fresh spinach when adding the cheese for an extra nutritious boost.
For a bit of zing, consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice just before serving for a flavor brightener.
If you plan on making this ahead, hold off on adding the cheese topping until just before baking to maintain texture.

Every bite of French Onion Chicken Orzo is a warm hug on a plate. It’s so easy to make and even easier to share. Infuse it with your personality; add a dash of your favorite herbs, or top it with crispy breadcrumbs for that delightful crunch. The creamy orzo will lull you into a cozy food coma, making you wish for leftovers, even if you’ve cleared the plate! Embrace the comfort, dig in, and enjoy every rich, cheesy bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and add a bit more cream if the orzo has absorbed too much liquid.

What can I substitute for the orzo?

If you don’t have orzo, any small pasta shape will work well. Try ditalini, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option, but remember to adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding. You may want to add a little extra broth if you’re using frozen chicken, so it stays moist.

How do I prevent overcooking the orzo?

Stir frequently and check for doneness a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time. The orzo should be tender but still have a slight bite or al dente to it.