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French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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A delightful twist on classic French onion soup, this casserole combines tender chicken, nutty orzo, and sweet caramelized onions topped with bubbling cheese.

  • Author: daniel-kim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 34 yellow onions
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1.5 cups Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown and caramelized.
  2. While the onions are cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme. In another skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Remove and shred the chicken.
  3. In your casserole dish or a large bowl, combine the sautéed onions, shredded chicken, orzo pasta, and broth. Mix well to ensure the orzo is evenly distributed.
  4. Stir in 1 cup of cheese into the mixture, reserving the rest for topping later.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes.
  6. After 20 minutes, take off the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and add vegetables. Adjust cooking time for a slow cooker, if needed.

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