Description
A creamy, cheesy comfort food casserole packed with tender shredded chicken, caramelized onions, orzo pasta, and topped with crispy fried onions. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups orzo pasta
1 can French onion soup
1 can water or chicken broth (use the soup can to measure)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup French onion dip or sour cream
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Gouda cheese
1½ cups crispy fried onions
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook the sliced onions on medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes until golden and caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked onions and garlic, uncooked orzo, French onion soup, water or broth, cream of chicken soup, French onion dip, shredded cheese, and all seasonings. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with crispy fried onions and extra cheese if desired.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
You can substitute orzo with cooked rice or gluten-free pasta.
To add vegetables, mix in spinach or sautéed mushrooms.
For extra flavor, deglaze caramelized onions with a splash of white wine.
Make it ahead and refrigerate before baking, add 5 minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1½ cups)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: French onion chicken orzo bake, cheesy chicken casserole, creamy orzo chicken, baked orzo with chicken