Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 2 large yellow onions; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme); 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta; 2 1/2 cups chicken or beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Golden, caramelized onions, melty cheese, tender chicken, and creamy orzo come together in this deeply comforting French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. It’s a one-dish wonder that tastes like hours of effort but comes together with surprisingly simple steps. Whether you’re craving cozy weeknight comfort or want to impress guests with minimal effort, this casserole brings bistro-style flavor straight to your kitchen.

What makes this dish shine is the slow-cooked onions that lend a sweet-savory depth to every creamy bite. The cheesy topping creates that classic gratin-style crust we love from French onion soup, while the orzo keeps it creamy and filling. It’s just as satisfying fresh from the oven as it is reheated for lunch the next day.

What Kind of Onions Should I Use for French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole?

Yellow onions are your best bet. They have the perfect balance of sweetness and bite, and they caramelize beautifully over low heat. You can also use sweet onions like Vidalia if you want a slightly milder flavor. Red onions can work too, though they’ll offer a sharper tang and a darker hue to your dish.

Ingredients for the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Yellow Onions: The heart of this dish—slow-cooked to golden brown perfection.
Chicken Breast: Provides lean, tender protein to round out the casserole.
Orzo Pasta: Its small, rice-like shape gives the casserole a creamy texture that holds flavor well.
Butter & Olive Oil: A combination that helps caramelize the onions and keep everything rich.
Garlic: Adds a warm depth that pairs beautifully with the onions and chicken.
Fresh Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, it highlights the French onion flavor profile.
Beef or Chicken Broth: Brings the saucy base together and deepens the savory taste.
Heavy Cream: For a luscious, creamy finish.
Gruyère or Swiss Cheese: Melty and nutty, it’s the signature topper that makes this casserole irresistible.
Salt & Pepper: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A bright sprinkle on top for freshness and color.

How To Make the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions Slowly

Start by slicing your yellow onions thinly. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until they turn deep golden brown. This step builds the core flavor of the dish, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the onions are working their magic, season diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. In another skillet, cook the chicken in a bit of olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Add Orzo

Once the onions are caramelized, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Then, add dry orzo pasta and cook it for 2–3 minutes, letting it lightly toast and absorb the oniony goodness.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in your broth (chicken or beef) and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently and let the orzo cook until al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed—about 8–10 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Chicken

Reduce the heat to low. Add heavy cream and cooked chicken into the orzo mixture, stirring to combine everything into a creamy base.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake

Transfer the mixture into a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the top. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

How to Serve and Store French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to stretch it into a full spread, pair it with a simple green salad and crusty bread for sopping up that cheesy, creamy goodness. It’s perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or meal prep.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Transfer into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for mushrooms or white beans and use vegetable broth. The onions and cheese will still deliver deep flavor.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and stir it in during the cream step.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

Swiss, mozzarella, or even provolone can be used in place. Gruyère has a nutty flavor that’s ideal, but other melty cheeses work well too.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything in the casserole dish (without baking), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready, just bake as instructed.

How do I keep the orzo from overcooking?

Stop cooking the orzo when it’s just al dente during stovetop simmering—it will finish softening as it bakes. Stirring during the simmer also helps prevent sticking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

As written, no—orzo is a wheat-based pasta. However, you can try a gluten-free orzo or rice-shaped pasta alternative.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole won your heart, you’ll definitely want to explore more creamy, cheesy, and comforting dishes like these:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a quick one-skillet favorite.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce when you’re craving beefy, cheesy goodness.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage for easy, slow-cooked comfort.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta if you love creamy sauces with a garlicky punch.
One Skillet Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta for a bolder flavor twist.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you use Gruyère or another cheese? Add mushrooms? Made it spicier?

Feel free to leave a comment and let’s swap ideas—plus, you can find more of my daily recipe creations over on Pinterest at Life with Nina.

French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: French-inspired

Print Recipe

Description

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole brings together rich caramelized onions, creamy orzo pasta, juicy chicken, and melty Gruyère cheese for the ultimate comfort food. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.

Instructions

1. Slice yellow onions thinly. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low. Add onions and caramelize for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.

2. While onions cook, season diced chicken with salt and pepper. In another skillet, cook chicken in olive oil until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Stir garlic into the caramelized onions. Cook 1 minute.

4. Add dry orzo to onions. Toast for 2–3 minutes.

5. Pour in broth. Bring to simmer. Stir frequently and cook 8–10 minutes, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

6. Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken. Mix well.

7. Transfer to greased casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese.

8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

9. Let rest. Garnish with parsley and serve.