French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
A comforting casserole that blends succulent chicken, orzo, and flavors reminiscent of classic French onion soup, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless Feel free to use thighs for added juiciness.
- 1 cup orzo pasta Can substitute with quinoa for a healthier option.
- 2 large onions, sweet yellow Red onions can be used for a nice touch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives depth of flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth Homemade is best, but low-sodium store-bought works.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese Melts beautifully; Swiss can be used for a lighter flavor.
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar Red wine vinegar is an excellent substitute.
- Salt and pepper to taste Fresh herbs can be used for more flavor.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and toss in your thinly sliced onions. Sauté them for 8-10 minutes until they become soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
- Once the onions are deeply caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Push the onions to the side and add your chicken directly into the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the outside is golden.
- Stir in the orzo. Pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, stirring to combine everything. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of your Gruyère cheese until it melts beautifully into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Transfer your casserole mixture to a baking dish (if your skillet isn’t oven-safe) and pop it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
This casserole reheats beautifully, making leftovers perfect for busy nights. For healthy swaps, use whole grain or zucchini noodles and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.