Description

This French Onion Chicken Orzo combines rich flavors of caramelized onions and creamy cheese, making it an ideal dish for a quick and comforting homemade meal. Perfect for family dinners!

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze (optional)

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Instructions

Melt butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced onions, granulated sugar, and kosher salt.
Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and caramelized; add minced garlic during the last 2 minutes.
Add orzo pasta and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
Incorporate shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze if using.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and all Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses like Gruyere and cheddar.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, then reheated before serving.
Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 676
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 842mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 126mg