Description
A comforting casserole combining caramelized onions, chicken, orzo, and a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Add beef broth to the skillet and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Remove from heat.
- In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through but still slightly firm. Drain any excess broth.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked orzo, caramelized onions, and seasoned chicken. Stir well to combine.
- Sprinkle Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble casserole 24 hours in advance, add cheese before baking.
- Cheese Alternatives: Gruyere, Fontina, or Provolone work well.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: French onion, chicken, orzo, casserole, comfort food, cheesy, easy
