– 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
– 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups French onion soup, canned or homemade
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– ½ cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Making French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is straightforward if you follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onions. Sauté until they’re caramelized and golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Prepare the Orzo: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked orzo, French onion soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Mix well until combined.
6. Combine Mixtures: Add the chicken and onion mixture to the orzo mixture. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
7. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
9. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let it Rest: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
By following these steps, you create a comforting and delicious French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole that will impress everyone at the table!