Picture this: the deep, savory flavor of French onion soup, but in a hearty, one-dish meal that’s ready to feed your whole family. That’s the magic of this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole. If your weeknights are a blur of activity and you’re dreaming of a dinner that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place. This dish takes everything we love about the classic soup—the sweet caramelized onions, the rich beefy broth, the gooey cheese—and bakes it all up with tender chicken and comforting orzo pasta. It’s the ultimate solution for a busy day when you need something both impressive and incredibly straightforward.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s designed to make your life easier. Here’s why it’s about to become a regular on your meal rotation:
- One-Pan Wonder: We’re using just a skillet and a baking dish, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Packed with Flavor: By using a store-bought shortcut like condensed French onion soup, we skip hours of simmering but keep all that incredible taste.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—a surefire hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfect for Making Ahead: Assemble it earlier in the day and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy masterpiece. I love how simple the ingredient list is :
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French Onion Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in French onion chicken orzo casserole This easy 1pan bake combines savory chicken sweet caramelized onions melty cheese Ultimate comfort food
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 0.5 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
- To the same skillet with the chicken, add the uncooked orzo, condensed French onion soup, and beef broth. Stir well, ensuring the orzo is submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Gruyère cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Scatter the crispy fried onions over the top before serving.
Notes
A hearty, one-dish meal featuring the deep, savory flavor of French onion soup with tender chicken and comforting orzo pasta, topped with gooey cheese and crispy onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 580 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (Swiss works great too!)
- ½ cup crispy fried onions (for that classic crunch)
Let’s Get Cooking: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Don’t be intimidated! The process is simple and the result is so worth it.
- Prep and Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. It doesn’t need to be fully done inside yet, as it will finish in the oven.
- Combine the Goodness: To the same skillet with the chicken, add the uncooked orzo, condensed French onion soup, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir, making sure the orzo is submerged in the liquid. This is where all the flavor comes together!
- Bake to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Then, carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. The orzo will soak up all that delicious broth.
- Add the Cheesy Topping: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven (remember, the handle is hot!). Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Gruyère cheese evenly over the top. Return the skillet to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
- The Finishing Touch: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Then, scatter the crispy fried onions over the top for that signature French onion soup crunch. Serve it up hot and watch it disappear!
My Favorite Tips & Simple Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- No Oven-Safe Skillet? No problem! After browning the chicken in a regular skillet, just transfer everything to a greased 2-quart casserole dish before baking.
- Cheese Swaps: Gruyère is classic, but provolone, a sharp white cheddar, or even a sprinkle of parmesan would be delicious. Use what you love or have on hand.
- Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies! Sliced mushrooms sautéed with the chicken or a handful of fresh spinach stirred in before adding the cheese would be fantastic. For more veggie-packed ideas, check out our guide to easy vegetable side dishes.
- Don’t Peek! Try to avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking. This lets the orzo cook evenly and absorb the liquid properly.
This recipe became a staple in our house after a particularly chaotic week when I needed a “cheat” meal that didn’t taste like one. My family now requests it more than ordering pizza!
What to Serve With Your Casserole
This casserole is a full meal in one dish, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness. A loaf of crusty bread is also non-negotiable for soaking up every last bit of the saucy goodness. If you’re looking for the perfect salad recipe, our Classic Caesar Salad is a winner every time.
Can I make this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (through step 2) up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold. Then just add the cheese and bake as directed.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, splash a tiny bit of broth or water over the top to keep it from drying out, and warm it in the microwave or a 350°F oven until heated through. The orzo will continue to absorb moisture, so that extra splash of liquid is key!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
You can, but the cooking time will vary. Orzo works perfectly because it cooks quickly and evenly in the broth. If you substitute another small pasta like ditalini or small shells, you might need to adjust the amount of liquid or cooking time. I’d recommend sticking with orzo for the best results, as it’s designed to work with the amount of liquid in this recipe. For more on pasta perfection, Serious Eats has a great guide.
Can I freeze this casserole?
You can, but with a caveat. Dairy-based sauces and pasta can become a bit grainy or mushy after freezing and thawing. For the best texture, I’d recommend enjoying it fresh or storing it in the fridge for a few days. If you do freeze it, freeze it before baking, and expect the texture of the pasta to be softer when reheated.
A Cozy Dinner is Just an Hour Away
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole truly is the best of both worlds: decadent enough for company and easy enough for a regular Tuesday night. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you why cooking at home is so special. The rich, comforting flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. I hope this dish finds its way to your table and brings you as much joy as it has to mine. Happy cooking!