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French Onion Chicken Orzo

French Onion Chicken Orzo: A Cozy Comfort Food Dream

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This French Onion Chicken Orzo is a delightful one-pan meal, blending rich flavors of caramelized onions and succulent chicken.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 tablespoons Butter adds richness and helps in caramelization
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil provides a healthy fat base for sautéing
  • 3 medium Yellow Onions thinly sliced; develops sweetness through slow caramelization
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar enhances the caramelization of the onions
  • to taste Salt balances flavors
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic add towards the end of onion cooking
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta serves as the base
  • 2 cups Shredded Chicken provides protein; rotisserie chicken saves time
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme adds earthy flavor
  • to taste Black Pepper enhances overall seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce optional; adds acidity
  • 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth hydrates orzo
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream contributes a creamy texture
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese provides a gooey topping
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese adds a sharp flavor

Equipment

  • oven-safe skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced yellow onions, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized. In the last minute, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant.
  2. Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Stir in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. Mix everything thoroughly.
  4. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider pairing with a green salad or crusty baguette for an even more delightful experience.

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