Orzo Chicken Casserole is the perfect cozy fall comfort food. Inspired by French onion soup, it features caramelized onions, creamy orzo, juicy chicken, and melted cheese all baked into one rich, satisfying dish. Easy to make, deeply flavorful, and ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this casserole will warm you up when the temperatures drop.

Why You’ll Love This Orzo Chicken Casserole

There are countless reasons to adore this Orzo Chicken Casserole. First, it’s a true one-pot wonder, which means less mess and cleanup. Second, the creamy orzo and tender chicken make for a comforting meal, perfect for chilly evenings. Third, it’s a versatile recipe that you can customize with your favorite veggies, making it a healthy option as well. Also, it’s a fantastic family-friendly dish, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will enjoy it. Plus, this Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe is great for meal prep—simply make it ahead and bake it when you’re ready! Lastly, the delightful combination of flavors makes it a dish that everyone will be asking for again and again.

Ingredients for Orzo Chicken Casserole

Gather these items:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced or shredded
• 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• 1½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh thyme or crispy fried onions

How to Make Orzo Chicken Casserole Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Heat butter and olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Add thyme, garlic, and balsamic vinegar; cook for 1–2 minutes more.
2. Step 2: Stir in sliced or shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook briefly until browned.
3. Step 3: Stir in orzo, chicken broth, and cream. Mix to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle cheese evenly on top. Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or crispy onions if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Orzo Chicken Casserole

Keep these in mind:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked later, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the mixture while cooking.

Best Ways to Serve Orzo Chicken Casserole

This delicious casserole can be served on its own or paired with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Adding a side of garlic bread can enhance the experience, making it a perfect easy orzo chicken dinner to enjoy with friends and family.

How to Store and Reheat Orzo Chicken Casserole

To store, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This makes it a great option for Chicken Orzo Casserole for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orzo Chicken Casserole

What’s the secret to perfect Orzo Chicken Casserole?

The secret lies in the caramelization of the onions and the quality of the cheese used. Choose a good melting cheese like Gruyère for a creamy texture and depth of flavor.

Can I make Orzo Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven to bake when you need it.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Orzo Chicken Casserole?

Ensure not to overcook the orzo; it should be al dente when you add it to the casserole. Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking, as it helps the flavors meld together.

Variations of Orzo Chicken Casserole You Can Try

Feel free to experiment by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients. You can also try a healthy orzo chicken bake by using whole grain orzo or substituting the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. If you’re interested in the health benefits of onions, you can read more here.

Ultimate Orzo Chicken Casserole for Cozy Fall Nights

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This Orzo Chicken Casserole is the perfect cozy fall comfort food. Inspired by French onion soup, it features caramelized onions, creamy orzo, juicy chicken, and melted cheese all baked into one rich, satisfying dish. Easy to make, deeply flavorful, and ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced or shredded
• 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• 1½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh thyme or crispy fried onions

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Instructions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Add thyme, garlic, and balsamic vinegar; cook for 1–2 minutes more.
2. Stir in sliced or shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook briefly until browned.
3. Stir in orzo, chicken broth, and cream. Mix to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Sprinkle cheese evenly on top. Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
5. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or crispy onions if desired.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked later.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg