Description

A cozy, hearty casserole that blends the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender shredded chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and gooey melted cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the ultimate comfort dish for any chilly evening.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded

1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup milk

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon butter

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until onions are golden and caramelized.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded chicken.
In a separate bowl, mix the uncooked orzo, chicken broth, milk, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Add the onion-chicken mixture to the orzo mixture and stir until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and all the parmesan cheese. Dot the top with butter.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.

Swap mozzarella with gruyère for a deeper flavor.

Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.

Stir in Dijon mustard or cream cheese for extra depth and creaminess.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 410
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 630mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg