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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/onion-chicken-orzo-bake-recipe/