Description
A comforting casserole featuring deeply caramelized onions, tender chicken, and cheesy orzo, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 2–2.5 lbs)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola, grapeseed)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or dry sherry
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
- 2 cups (12 oz) dry orzo
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a heavy skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, kosher salt, and sugar (if using). Cook, stirring every 4–5 minutes, until deep golden-brown, 30–40 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium-high, deglaze the pan with white wine, then sprinkle flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly stir in 3 cups of chicken broth, simmer gently to thicken, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Par-cook orzo in salted boiling water for 4 minutes, drain, and then stir into the onion sauce with remaining broth.
- Mix in shredded chicken, cream, Worcestershire, Dijon, and most of the Gruyère. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 8–12 minutes until bubbly and orzo is tender. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a browned top.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve warm.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. If using raw chicken, ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: French onion, casserole, chicken, orzo, comfort food