A creamy, cheesy casserole combining tender orzo, savory chicken, and sweet caramelized onions for a comforting meal.
Author:info-cookingwithmayaagmail-com
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:French
Diet:None
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: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
Add orzo and chicken: Stir in the orzo, cooking for 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Then, add the shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, mix it in at this stage as well. Make sure everything is well-combined.
Pour in liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Raise the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is just tender and has absorbed some of that delicious liquid.
Add cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is melted and creamy, creating a rich, comforting base.
Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
Serve: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Optionally, you can garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
Notes
This casserole is easily customizable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the cheese to your liking.