French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this French onion chicken orzo casserole, where tender chicken meets creamy orzo and melted cheese. The rich aroma of caramelized onions fills your kitchen, making it a perfect centerpiece for family dinners or special occasions. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also boasts versatility, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Experience the joy of gathering around a warm, hearty meal that brings everyone together.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 sweet onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brown them in a skillet over medium heat until golden.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions in butter until translucent (about 15 minutes). Add garlic for the last minute.
- Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add uncooked orzo, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Nestle browned chicken in the mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle panko on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (232g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For gluten-free options, substitute orzo with quinoa or rice. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for unique flavors.