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Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/chicken-orzo-casserole-recipe/