Description

This French Onion Chicken Orzo features a delightful mix of textures and flavors, combining caramelized onions, shredded chicken, and creamy cheese in a quick and hearty dish. Perfect for satisfying dinner cravings, it promises to be a favorite comfort food for anyone looking for a homemade meal.

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 the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt, cooking while stirring occasionally until deeply golden and caramelized, about 20 to 25 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes.
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
Incorporate the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using), mixing well.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reducing the heat to low.
Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
Add 1 cup of mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Preheat the oven to 375°F, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

To enhance the flavor, you can add more herbs like fresh thyme or parsley when serving.
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with more chicken broth.
Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for even quicker preparation.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 670
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 120mg