French Onion Chicken Orzo Bake
French Onion Chicken Orzo Bake is a delightful twist on a classic French onion soup, combining the heartiness of chicken and orzo with the rich flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese. This dish promises to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that are bound to entice your family to the dinner table. Perfect for weeknight meals or cozy gatherings, it seamlessly blends comfort food favorites into one easy, cheesy bake.
Reasons to try it
Why choose this recipe for your next meal? It’s not just about the flavor; it’s about the experience. This dish is not only quick to prepare—ready in under an hour—but it also uses budget-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s an ideal way to incorporate leftover rotisserie chicken, so you can have a delicious dinner without a lot of fuss.
"I made this French Onion Chicken Orzo Bake for my family last week, and it was a huge hit! Everyone went back for seconds, and the kids even asked for leftovers for lunch."
How this recipe comes together
This delightful bake combines caramelized onions, creamy orzo pasta, and tender chicken all in one dish. You start by cooking the onions until they are perfectly golden and sweet, then you mix in garlic for that aromatic touch. The orzo is toasted lightly before being simmered in chicken broth and cream, soaking up all those flavors. Finally, a generous amount of cheese melts on top, creating a bubbly, cheesy crust that will have everyone digging in.
What you’ll need
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for achieving the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half (for a lighter option)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze for added depth
Feel free to mix it up! If you’re out of Parmesan, you can substitute it with Gruyère for a unique flavor.
