If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with hearty chicken and tender orzo pasta, this French Onion Chicken Orzo Recipe is exactly what you need. The luscious blend of creamy soup, sharp cheddar, and those irresistible crispy fried onions creates a cozy dish that’s both simple to whip up and satisfying to the last bite. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck favorite, this recipe wraps deep flavors and easy prep into one unforgettable casserole that everyone will ask to have again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays a pivotal role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so delightful. From the creamy soups to the crisp fried onions, every component works harmoniously to bring this recipe to life.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Serves as a rich, velvety base that envelops the orzo and chicken with gentle warmth.
- Sour Cream French Onion Dip: Brings a tangy, savory punch packed with classic French onion flavors.
- Chicken Stock (2½ cups): Adds moisture and depth, ensuring the orzo stays tender and flavorful.
- Onion Powder (2 tsp): Boosts the onion essence subtly without overpowering.
- Garlic Powder (2 tsp): Lends a warm, aromatic note that balances the savory profile.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, tying all the flavors together perfectly.
- Orzo Pasta (16-oz package, uncooked): Tiny pasta pearls that cook up fluffy and provide a lovely, comforting texture.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (3 cups, divided): Melted cheese delivers creamy richness and a golden topping melt that’s simply irresistible.
- Cooked Chopped Chicken (3 cups): Protein-packed goodness that makes this dish hearty and filling.
- French’s Crispy Fried Onions (6-oz can, divided): Adds the signature crispy crunch and a burst of flavor on top.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. While it warms, give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This simple preparation sets the stage for perfectly cooked orzo and chicken.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream French onion dip, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and half of the crispy fried onions. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your taste. This heavenly mixture is where all the classic French onion and creamy cheesy goodness meld beautifully together.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your well-seasoned chicken and orzo mixture into the prepared baking dish. Once spread evenly, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the rest of the crispy fried onions. Cover everything tightly with aluminum foil; this will lock in moisture, allowing your orzo to cook tender and your cheese to melt perfectly.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your casserole covered for 25 minutes to let all the flavors marry and the orzo soften. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the crispy onions on top have turned beautifully toasted. This final step adds the perfect finishing touch to your French Onion Chicken Orzo Recipe.
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate this dish, sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. This not only adds a lovely pop of green color but also a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness. For an extra touch of indulgence, a drizzle of caramelized onion jam or a little extra crispy fried onions can work wonders.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. If you want to keep things cozy, some crusty bread or garlic knots make fantastic sides to soak up any extra creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this French Onion Chicken Orzo Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at gatherings. Another fun idea is to layer the casserole into a clear baking dish so guests can admire the creamy orzo, shredded chicken, melted cheese, and crispy toppings before diving in. It’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This French Onion Chicken Orzo Recipe freezes wonderfully. For best results, assemble the casserole but do not bake it ahead of time. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, increasing baking time slightly to ensure it heats through.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your portion with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350ºF until heated through and bubbling, about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts to maintain the dish’s creamy texture and avoid overcooking the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the French Onion Chicken Orzo Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that adds flavor and saves time. Just chop it up and add it directly to the mixture.
Is there a substitute for the sour cream French onion dip?
If you can’t find that exact dip, plain sour cream mixed with caramelized onions and a bit of onion soup mix makes a great replacement without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the orzo pasta for a gluten-free pasta of similar size and shape, and confirm the soup and dip you use are gluten-free as well.
What if I want this dish spicier?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix or sprinkle some cayenne pepper before baking for a subtle kick that complements the savory flavors nicely.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitutes, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth to keep the dish satisfying and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the melding of French onion flavors with tender chicken and orzo pasta in this French Onion Chicken Orzo Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners, feeding a hungry crowd, or simply indulging yourself on any day. Give it a try—you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a go-to comfort food favorite!
Print
French Onion Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting French Onion Chicken Orzo casserole combines tender chicken, creamy French onion dip, cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make one-dish meal that blends savory flavors and delightful textures, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Soup and Dip
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream French onion dip
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2½ cups chicken stock
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Components
- 1 (16-oz) package orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (6-oz) can French’s crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, French onion dip, chicken stock, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add half of the French’s crispy fried onions and stir everything to blend well. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the prepared chicken and orzo mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After this, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding to the casserole for safe consumption.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium chicken stock and reduced-salt soup and dip.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate before baking.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
