Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or sausage; 4 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold, Russet, or red); 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning; Optional: 1 bell pepper, diced; Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach; Optional: green onions or hot sauce for garnish

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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a cozy, one-dish meal that brings the rich, savory flavor of French onion soup into a creamy, cheesy chicken and pasta bake. With golden caramelized onions, juicy chicken, tender orzo, and melty cheese, this casserole is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. I love how it’s both elegant and down-to-earth—perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s warm, filling, and full of rich, homemade taste. The caramelized onions add a deep sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory chicken and creamy orzo. Everything bakes together in one dish, which makes cleanup easy and the flavors blend beautifully. It’s one of those meals that tastes like it took hours, but comes together with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded or cubed
Orzo pasta
Onions, thinly sliced
Butter or olive oil
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or milk
Shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Parmesan cheese
Fresh thyme or dried thyme
Salt and black pepper
Optional: breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions for topping

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, I melt butter and cook the sliced onions over medium-low heat until deeply golden and caramelized—this takes about 20–25 minutes, but it’s worth it.
I add garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.
In a large bowl, I combine the cooked chicken, uncooked orzo, caramelized onions, broth, cream, and most of the shredded cheese. I season with salt and pepper.
I pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
I uncover, stir gently, and sprinkle the rest of the cheese (and breadcrumbs or crispy onions if using) on top.
I bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 and takes about 1 hour total—25 minutes to caramelize onions, 10 minutes for assembly, and 25–30 minutes to bake.

Variations

Sometimes I stir in sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach before baking. I’ve also swapped the orzo for rice or small pasta shapes like pearl couscous. If I want to lighten it up, I use milk instead of cream and cut back a bit on the cheese. For added crunch, I top it with crispy onions or seasoned panko just before the final bake.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions. If the orzo seems dry, I stir in a splash of broth or cream before reheating. It also freezes well—just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. I often use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time—it’s convenient and adds great flavor.

Do I cook the orzo before baking?

No need. The orzo cooks right in the casserole with the broth and cream, soaking up all the flavors.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Gruyère is classic for French onion flavor, but Swiss, mozzarella, or even sharp white cheddar also melt well and taste great.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. I assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it, and store it in the fridge up to 24 hours. I add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is this a good dish for guests?

Definitely. It looks beautiful, tastes rich and comforting, and can be made ahead—making it perfect for serving to friends or family.

Conclusion

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is the kind of meal that fills the house with amazing smells and the table with satisfied smiles. With rich caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo baked under melty cheese, this casserole brings comforting, elegant flavor in every bite. Whether I’m serving it on a weeknight or for a cozy dinner party, it’s always a hit.