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To make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, gather these key items: - 2 cups cooked orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can enhance this dish with a few extra ingredients: - Sliced mushrooms for added earthiness - Baby spinach for a burst of color and nutrition - Chopped bell peppers for extra crunch - A dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick If you need to swap out some items, here are a few ideas: - Use quinoa instead of orzo for a gluten-free option. - Swap chicken with cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken. - Replace Gruyère with Swiss or cheddar cheese for different flavors. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. These adjustments make the casserole fit your taste and pantry. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups cooked orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped Make sure everything is ready. This helps the cooking go smoothly. First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, add the olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onion. Stir it often. Cook until the onion is deep golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is key for that sweet flavor. When the onion is ready, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. The garlic should smell great and be lightly golden. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, and the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth next. Then add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well. Ensure the orzo is coated in all those tasty flavors. Next, transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, it’s time for the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella on top. This will create a delightful, cheesy crust. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese that has turned a lovely golden color. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Enjoy your tasty casserole! To get the best cheese layer, use a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella. Gruyère gives a rich flavor, while mozzarella adds nice stretch. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top before baking. This helps it melt nicely. For an extra crispy layer, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end. Watch it closely to prevent burning. To ensure even cooking, spread the orzo and chicken mix evenly in the dish. Mix well before transferring it to the baking dish. This helps all ingredients heat up together. Keep the oven temperature steady at 375°F (190°C). Also, let it cool slightly after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Serve the casserole in warm bowls. Scrape some of the cheesy crust for each plate. This adds a nice touch. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor. You can pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread. A glass of white wine also complements the dish nicely. Pro Tips Caramelize the Onions Properly: Take your time when caramelizing the onions; the deeper the golden color, the richer the flavor you'll develop for your casserole. Use Fresh Herbs: For an enhanced aroma and flavor, consider using fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried, if available. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations, like adding sharp cheddar or fontina for a unique twist on the cheese layer. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking; this helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier. {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegetarian. Start by omitting the chicken. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Sauté them with the onions and garlic. This keeps the flavor rich and hearty. Cheese can change the taste of the casserole. Gruyère and mozzarella are great choices, but you can try others. Cheddar adds a sharp taste. Fontina gives a creamy texture. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. Just remember to use about two cups of cheese total. Add extra spices for more flavor. A dash of smoked paprika can bring warmth. If you like spice, try red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can enhance the taste. A splash of white wine can add depth, too. Each tweak makes this dish your own! After cooking, let your casserole cool down. Once cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. You can freeze this casserole for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can also use a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This dish will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, take the casserole out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 25-30 minutes or until it's hot all the way through. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy delight again! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare it up to the baking step. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it easy for busy days. You have many options for sides. Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad with vinaigrette. - Steamed green beans or broccoli. - Crusty bread slices for dipping. - A light soup like tomato or vegetable. These sides complement the casserole well and add color to your meal. Watch for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. This usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes in the oven. You can also use a food thermometer. The center should reach 165°F (74°C). Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve. This blog post covered all you need for a great French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. We looked at the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations, storage info, and common questions. In the end, enjoy your cooking. Make it your own. A few tweaks can create a meal just for you!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

A comforting casserole featuring orzo pasta, caramelized onions, shredded chicken, and a blend of cheeses.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onion. Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep golden brown and caramelizes, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Once caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo pasta, shredded chicken, chicken broth, and the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Add in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, soy sauce, and season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring the orzo is evenly coated with the flavors.
  • Carefully transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Top the orzo and chicken mixture by evenly sprinkling the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses across the surface, allowing for a satisfying cheesy crust.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and has developed a delightful golden hue.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set. Just before serving, garnish with the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls for a beautiful presentation.
Keyword casserole, cheese, chicken, comfort food, orzo