Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
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 beautifully comforting dish that marries the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with creamy orzo and tender chicken. Picture this: each savory bite delivers a delightful creaminess, punctuated by the deep sweetness of slow-cooked onions and a hint of melted cheese. This comforting meal not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your heart, making it a perfect choice for a cozy evening in or a family gathering.

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

When I first stumbled upon the concept of blending French onion soup flavors into a pasta dish, it felt like discovering a culinary treasure. One bite of French Onion Chicken Orzo took me back to my childhood, where soul-warming, cheesy comfort food was a staple at the dinner table. As you savor each spoonful of this dish, you’ll appreciate how the ingredients come together for a harmonious experience, making it a delightful alternative to heavy takeout dinners. I can’t wait for you to try this dish—your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and a mere 50 minutes total cook time, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of caramelized onions, savory chicken, and rich cream creates a melody of flavors that is simply unforgettable.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with bubbly, golden cheese, this dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Flexible Serving: It’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion—great for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customizable; swap for gluten-free or plant-based ingredients to suit your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor as you caramelize the onions.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to cook the onions to perfection while balancing the flavors.
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: The star of the dish that lends its sweet, caramelized notes.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the onions during the caramelization process.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential to seasoning the onions and balancing the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy note that complements the dish beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A little heat that rounds out the flavor profile.
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta: The comforting base that soaks up the creamy sauce.
2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for a time-saver.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture for the orzo while infusing it with flavor.
1 cup heavy cream: Ensures a luscious, creamy texture that ties everything together.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that gooey, cheesy finish.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty layer of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional): A whisper of tang to enhance depth.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo

Melt Butter and Oil: Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. This combination creates the perfect base to caramelize your onions beautifully.

Cook Onions: Once melted, add in 2 large yellow onions, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir occasionally, allowing the onions to caramelize for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn deeply golden and sweetly fragrant. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves during the last 2 minutes to release their aroma without burning.

Toast Orzo: Add 1 1/2 cups of orzo pasta to the skillet. Continue to cook for about 2 minutes, letting the pasta toast lightly and absorb some of those delicious onion flavors.

Incorporate Chicken and Herbs: Toss in 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze, if you’re using it. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors well.

Add Broth and Cream: Gradually pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Stir in Cheese: Once the orzo is tender, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. The combination of these cheeses adds an irresistible creaminess to the dish.

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

Garnish and Serve: Allow your delectable creation to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it—just transfer it to a freezer-safe container, where it can last up to three months. When reheating, warm it slowly on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may shift slightly after freezing, so adding a splash of broth can help refresh its creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid burning the onions by stirring them frequently while they caramelize; patience is key to developing their sweet flavor.
Be sure to use shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses to ensure they melt evenly and smoothly for that perfect cheesy topping.
If using rotisserie chicken, shred it while it’s warm for easier handling.
Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings, especially salt and pepper, to cater to your own taste preferences.
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Make ahead by preparing the dish up to the baking step, then storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

With a tower of flavors, French Onion Chicken Orzo offers a cozy escape into comfort cuisine. This dish is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all by yourself. I encourage you to personalize it—whether it’s adding seasonal veggies or playing with different cheeses, there’s no limit to how much you can enjoy this delightful fusion. Savor every bite and embrace the soul-warming goodness of a classic reimagined.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While orzo is a wonderful choice for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even small shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta will have varied requirements.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can! Simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. For protein, consider adding chickpeas or lentils for a hearty twist.

How can I make this dish spicy?

If you prefer a spicy flair, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes along with the thyme or incorporate diced jalapeños when cooking the onions. Adjust the amount depending on your heat preference.

What can I serve with French Onion Chicken Orzo?

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread for sopping up all that creamy goodness.