French Onion Chicken Orzo

French Onion Chicken Orzo Recipe

This French Onion Chicken Orzo combines the comforting flavors of traditional French onion soup with the hearty texture of orzo pasta. It’s a dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The melty cheese, caramelized onions, and creamy sauce create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

Why Make This French Onion Chicken Orzo

If you love the deep, sweet flavor of caramelized onions, this dish is for you. The slow-cooked onions bring a rich sweetness to the table, while the addition of tender chicken and creamy, cheesy orzo makes it wonderfully filling. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup for you! Plus, if you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s straightforward to prepare, this recipe checks all the boxes.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo

Making French Onion Chicken Orzo is simple and rewarding. You start by caramelizing the onions, a step that fills your kitchen with an enticing aroma. The toasty orzo enhances the dish’s overall richness, and then everything gets combined for a creamy, satisfying meal. Prepare to impress your family or friends with this flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

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)

Directions:

1. Melt the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
3. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
4. Incorporate the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix thoroughly.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
6. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 550
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 31g

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo

Serve your French Onion Chicken Orzo piping hot right from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a cozy meal, add a glass of white wine or homemade iced tea. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, special occasions, or even meal prepping for the week!

How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This recipe also freezes well! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen it up.

Expert Tips for Perfect French Onion Chicken Orzo

• Caramelizing Onions: Give yourself the time to properly caramelize the onions, as this step enhances the flavor dramatically. Patience is key; don’t rush it!
• Substitutions: You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for the cooked shredded chicken to save time. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
• Cheese Varieties: Feel free to mix different cheeses based on what you have. Gruyère or Swiss cheese also works well for that classic French onion flavor.

Delicious Variations

• Add Veggies: Mix in some spinach or kale to boost the nutritional value and add color.
• Flavor Boosters: For a kick, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Different Proteins: Use shredded turkey or even cooked sausage for a different twist on this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Omit the chicken and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or cooked beans. You can also swap heavy cream with a plant-based alternative.

3. How can I ensure my onions don’t burn while caramelizing?

Make sure to keep the heat at medium and stir the onions every few minutes. If they start cooking too fast, reduce the heat slightly.

Conclusion

French Onion Chicken Orzo is a delightful comfort dish that brings together the best flavors of a classic soup with the heartiness of pasta. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for any gathering, and packs a flavor punch that your loved ones will enjoy. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a truly satisfying meal. Don’t forget to share your experience or any variations you try out; we’d love to hear how it goes!

French Onion Chicken Orzo

This comforting dish combines the flavors of traditional French onion soup with hearty orzo pasta, creating a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: French

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the base

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For sautéing
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced Caramelize for flavor depth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Added in the last 2 minutes of cooking onions
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar To assist with caramelizing onions
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the pasta and protein

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta Toasted before adding liquid
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the cheese topping

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided for mixing and topping
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze Optional, for additional flavor

Method

 

Preparation

1. Melt the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
3. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
4. Incorporate the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix thoroughly.

Cooking

1. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
2. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
2. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
3. Allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Serve hot, pairing with a crisp green salad or crusty bread. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed.