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Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

A comforting and creamy Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole featuring caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and cheesy orzo baked to golden perfection. This one-pan meal combines sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Orzo and Chicken

  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)

Liquids

  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter with olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking to release its flavor.
  2. Toast Orzo and Combine: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and develop a nutty flavor. Then add the cooked shredded chicken, dried thyme, freshly ground black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Stir everything thoroughly to combine evenly.
  3. Simmer Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  4. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until both cheeses are fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to settle. Optionally garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving warm for a delicious and hearty meal.

Notes

  • Use cooked shredded chicken from a rotisserie or leftovers for convenience.
  • If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze, you can omit or substitute with a splash of soy sauce or apple cider vinegar.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the casserole will be less rich.
  • Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
  • This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: onion chicken orzo casserole, caramelized onion casserole, cheesy chicken orzo bake, one-pan chicken dinner, comfort food casserole

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/onion-chicken-orzo-casserole-recipe/