DINNER

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Chef Olivia

November 9, 2025
4 min read

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with the comforting texture of a casserole. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests at a dinner. It’s hearty, cheesy, and delicious, making it a great option for families. Plus, it uses rotisserie chicken for convenience, saving you time in the kitchen. The caramelized onions add a depth of flavor that makes this casserole truly special.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Ingredients:

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 (rotisserie works well)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for added depth)

Directions:

Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add 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 and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.
Pour in Liquids: Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a nice touch.

How to Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

To store leftovers, keep the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for quick reheating.

Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Use fresh herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to firm up for easier serving.
For a crispy top, broil the casserole for the last couple of minutes of baking.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. For a different flavor, try substituting the cheeses with Gruyère or adding a splash of white wine for an added layer of taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use uncooked chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Just cook it thoroughly before shredding and adding it to the recipe.

2. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it without baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

3. Is there a gluten-free version?
You can use gluten-free orzo pasta instead of regular orzo for a gluten-free option. Just check the cooking times as they may vary.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and cheesy casserole combining the rich flavors of French onion soup with orzo and rotisserie chicken, perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests.

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add 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 and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast.
Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.

Pour in Liquids

Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

Add Cheese

Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.

Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top.
Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Serve

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. For extra flavor, use fresh herbs. Stir the orzo occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the casserole to sit after baking for easier serving. Broil for a crispy top if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole, Dinner
Cuisine: American, French