Description

A comforting casserole that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken and creamy orzo, topped with melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme leaves, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups Unsalted Chicken Broth
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 cup Orzo Pasta
½ teaspoon Black Pepper
½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
1 ½ cups Shredded Gruyere Cheese, divided
½ cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions. Cook for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and caramelized
Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the caramelized onions. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant
Push the onions and garlic to one side of the pan. Add the cubed chicken breast to the empty side. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, until lightly browned on all sides
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer
Add the orzo pasta to the simmering liquid. Stir well and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese until melted and fully incorporated
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Gruyere cheese and the ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top
Transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brow
Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve hot

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free orzo or small pasta.

You can prepare the casserole ahead and bake when ready, adjusting baking time as necessary.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 500 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg