Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish that combines tender shredded chicken with the delicate texture of orzo pasta. Caramelized onions and a blend of cheeses make this casserole irresistibly flavorful and perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.
3. Step 3: In the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, stir in the minced garlic.
4. Step 4: Add the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, mixing it with the onions.
5. Step 5: Stir in the shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper. If using, mix in the Worcestershire sauce.
6. Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
8. Step 8: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese, mixing until they melt and create a creamy sauce.
9. Step 9: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella.
10. Step 10: Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
11. Step 11: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped mushrooms or spinach when cooking the onions.
• Swap shredded chicken with cooked turkey for a seasonal twist.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• If you prefer a smoky note, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika with the thyme.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave in short bursts, stirring between. Avoid overheating to maintain creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze Chicken Orzo Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

You can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini or small elbows, but cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on pasta tenderness during cooking.

Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 547 reviews

This Chicken Orzo Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish featuring tender shredded chicken, perfectly caramelized onions, and orzo pasta baked to golden perfection. It combines savory flavors with a luscious sauce, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking to release its aroma and flavor without burning.
3. Toast Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for about 2 minutes, mixing it thoroughly with the caramelized onions to develop a nutty flavor.
4. Combine Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and black pepper. If using, add Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
6. Cook Orzo: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
7. Melt Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese until the cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce coating the pasta and chicken.
8. Bake Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Top the casserole mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness slightly.
• Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut, but any cooked shredded chicken works well.
• Caramelizing onions slowly is key to unlocking their sweet, deep flavor; don’t rush this step.
• Use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven to simplify transitioning from stovetop to oven.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: chicken orzo casserole, creamy chicken casserole, baked orzo recipe, cheesy chicken pasta, comfort food casserole