Description
A comforting casserole featuring caramelized onions, juicy chicken, and orzo pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, then stir in minced garlic for the last 1-2 minutes.
- Add orzo and chicken: Stir in orzo and let it toast for 2 minutes. Mix in shredded chicken, thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
- Pour in the liquids: Add chicken broth and cream, simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
Notes
Feel free to substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. For a lighter choice, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, chicken, orzo, French onion