Onion Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Onion Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy orzo and caramelized onions. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend feast.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for lighter option)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (for added depth)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half and half or whole milk.
• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred your own chicken breasts.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra depth of flavor.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley brighten the dish and make a lovely garnish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Orzo works best for this recipe since it cooks quickly and blends well with the creamy sauce, but small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells can be used as alternatives.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace the cheeses with vegan versions to make this dish dairy-free.

Onion Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 52 reviews

Onion Chicken Orzo is a comforting and creamy casserole combining caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and tender orzo pasta baked with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a rich and flavorful dish. Perfect as a hearty family dinner, this recipe balances sweetness from the onions with savory herbs and cheeses, resulting in a satisfying one-pot meal.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for lighter option)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. During the last 1 to 2 minutes, stir in the minced garlic to soften and become fragrant.
2. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Then add the cooked shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
3. Pour in Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses have melted completely and the dish is creamy.
5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake the casserole uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired for an added touch of color and flavor.

Notes

• Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient option but feel free to use freshly cooked, shredded chicken.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half and half or whole milk.
• Caramelizing onions deeply enhances sweetness, don’t rush this step for best flavor.
• Make sure your skillet or Dutch oven is oven-safe before baking the casserole.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
• Optional Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze adds depth but can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.

Keywords: onion chicken orzo, creamy chicken casserole, caramelized onions recipe, baked orzo pasta, easy comfort food recipe