Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks; 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked); 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 2 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream or 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a warm, bubbling one-dish meal that combines the rich, savory flavor of French onion soup with tender chicken and creamy orzo pasta. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it one of my favorite dishes to bake on chilly evenings or when I want something hearty and satisfying with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole brings together the deep, caramelized flavor of onions with creamy orzo and juicy chicken. It tastes like a mix between French onion soup and a creamy pasta bake. Everything cooks in one dish, so I don’t need a bunch of pots or pans. Plus, the broiled cheese on top gives it that signature golden crust that’s hard to resist. French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
Orzo pasta
Yellow onions (thinly sliced)
Garlic (minced)
Olive oil or butter
Beef or chicken broth
Worcestershire sauce
Thyme (fresh or dried)
Gruyère or mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Salt and pepper
Optional: sour cream or heavy cream (for added creaminess)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, I sauté the sliced onions in olive oil or butter over medium heat until deeply golden and caramelized—this takes about 20–25 minutes.
I add garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for another minute.
I stir in the uncooked orzo and toss to coat it with the onion mixture.
I pour in the broth, season with salt and pepper, and add the chicken pieces. I mix everything well and transfer it to a greased baking dish if not using an oven-safe pan.
I cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
I remove the foil, stir in sour cream or a splash of cream if I want extra richness, then top with shredded cheese.
I return it to the oven uncovered, or broil for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4–6 people. It takes around 15 minutes to prep, 25 minutes to bake, and a few extra minutes to broil at the end—so it’s ready in just under an hour.

Variations

I sometimes add mushrooms for more umami or stir in spinach at the end for extra greens. For a bit of tang, I add a splash of white wine while caramelizing the onions. If I want it vegetarian, I skip the chicken and use extra broth and veggies.

storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat it in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo creamy. It also freezes well, though the texture of the orzo might soften slightly after thawing. French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I sometimes use shredded cooked chicken and stir it in halfway through baking to keep it from drying out.

Do I need to cook the orzo first?

No, the orzo cooks in the casserole as it bakes, absorbing all the broth and flavors from the dish.

What cheese works best?

I love Gruyère for its classic French onion flavor, but mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss cheese work well too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it fully (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When I’m ready to bake, I let it sit out while the oven preheats and then bake as directed.

How do I get the best caramelized onions?

Low and slow is key. I stir occasionally and let them cook for 20–25 minutes until deep golden brown and soft.

Conclusion

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is everything I want in a comfort meal—savory, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s simple to put together, perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead, and has that irresistible mix of soft pasta, juicy chicken, and golden cheese. I make it anytime I want something cozy and delicious straight from the oven.