Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked); 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Description

A comforting and hearty casserole that combines tender chicken, caramelized onions, and orzo pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked)
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add olive oil.
Add sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized.
Sprinkle sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper over the onions. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
In a large bowl, combine caramelized onion mixture with chopped cooked chicken, uncooked orzo, sour cream, heavy cream, chicken broth, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Top with remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
Make ahead and refrigerate before baking for an easy meal prep option.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg