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Creamy French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

creamy french onion chicken orzo casserole - featured image
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A comforting and easy-to-make casserole combining caramelized onions, tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cubed or shredded
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta (about 9 oz)
  • 1 packet French onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 oz)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1.75 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Add cubed chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook uncovered for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain excess liquid, reserving a little for moisture.
  6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and French onion soup mix until smooth. Add a splash of warm chicken broth if needed to loosen the mixture.
  7. In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine the caramelized onion and chicken mixture with cooked orzo and creamy sauce. Stir well to coat evenly.
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the casserole.
  9. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Caramelize onions low and slow for best flavor. Use quality French onion soup mix for signature taste. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. Cover casserole with foil if top browns too fast during baking. Leftovers store well refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, casserole, chicken recipe, orzo pasta, caramelized onions

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