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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 73 reviews

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and creamy orzo pasta. Infused with the rich flavors of fresh thyme, sage, and white wine, this casserole is topped with melted gruyere and parmesan cheeses for a decadent finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it can be made either in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, offering flexibility for your cooking preference.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Onion and Chicken Base

  • 3–4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter (divided)
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms

For the Orzo and Cheese Topping

  • 2 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Slow Cooker Base: In the slow cooker bowl, layer the thinly sliced onions with 3 tablespoons of butter. Place the chicken pieces on top, then sprinkle with thyme, sage, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the white wine and chicken broth, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender.
  2. Remove Chicken and Onions: Preheat your broiler to high. Carefully remove the chicken and most of the onions from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Cook Orzo in Slow Cooker: Increase the slow cooker heat to high, stir in the orzo and 1 cup of water. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes until the orzo is al dente, adding more water if necessary to prevent drying out. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until combined.
  4. Broil Cheese Topping: Arrange the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over the reserved onions on the baking sheet. Top with the shredded gruyere cheese and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Serve the broiled chicken and onion mixture over the creamy orzo. Enjoy the rich blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
  6. Alternative Stovetop Method: In a large soup pot, sauté the onions with 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, stirring every few minutes for about 10 minutes until softened and golden. Add the chicken, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour in the wine and broth, then add mushrooms. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
  7. Stovetop Finish: Preheat broiler to high, remove chicken and most onions from the pot and transfer to a baking sheet. Top with remaining butter and gruyere, then broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts. Cook orzo separately following package instructions, then mix in reserved mushrooms and cooking liquid from the pot along with cream and parmesan. Serve chicken and onion mixture over the prepared orzo.

Notes

  • If you prefer a deeper caramelized onion flavor, cook the onions on the stovetop longer before adding chicken and liquids.
  • Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier results, or breasts for leaner meat.
  • Adjust salt carefully based on broth used, as some broths are salty.
  • Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
  • If you like a thicker orzo consistency, reduce liquid slightly or cook uncovered for a few extra minutes.
  • Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs but reduce quantity to about 1 tablespoon each.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: French Onion Chicken, Orzo Casserole, Slow Cooker Chicken, Creamy Orzo, Gruyere Cheese Casserole, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker Dinner

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