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- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 3 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients for this dish are simple and easy to find. Orzo pasta is the star, giving a nice texture. I love using olive oil for cooking. It adds flavor and richness to the dish. You will also need a large onion and garlic. The onion's sweetness comes out when cooked. This makes every bite taste amazing. Cooked chicken adds protein. It makes the dish filling. Shredded chicken works best, as it mixes well. Chicken broth gives moisture and flavor. The dried thyme and rosemary add a lovely herb taste. Balsamic vinegar adds a hint of tanginess. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. - 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese - Alternatives to Gruyère Gruyère cheese is a key part of this bake. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. I often use 1 ½ cups of it for a rich taste. If you can’t find Gruyère, try Swiss cheese. It has a similar flavor. Mozzarella can also work, but it is milder. Using a mix of cheeses can create a unique taste. Experiment with different kinds to find what you love best. - Fresh parsley - Other garnish options Fresh parsley is my go-to for garnishing. It adds a pop of color and freshness. It also balances the rich flavors of the dish. You can chop it finely or leave it whole for a nice touch. Other options include green onions or even croutons. These can add extra crunch and flavor. Feel free to get creative! Garnishing can make your dish look even more inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 large, thinly sliced onion. Stir it often and watch it closely. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the onions turn a nice golden brown. This gives the dish its sweet flavor. After the onions caramelize, it’s time to add flavor. Toss in 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir them in for about a minute until you smell the rich aroma. This garlic will add depth to the dish. Next, add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth. This will create a rich base. Mix in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried rosemary. These herbs bring a nice taste to the chicken. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. This combo balances the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step helps combine all the flavors well. Now, it's time for the orzo. Add 1 ½ cups of orzo pasta to the pan. Stir well to make sure the pasta gets covered in liquid. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring every now and then. The orzo will soak up the rich broth. After that, turn off the heat and add 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese. Stir until it melts and mixes in. This cheesy goodness makes the dish creamy and rich. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Gruyère cheese on top. This will give you a delightful cheesy crust. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch closely until the top is golden and bubbly. This step makes the cheese melt perfectly, creating a delicious crust. For a perfect finish, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your French Onion Chicken Orzo Bake! To get rich flavor from your onions, slice them thinly. Thin slices cook evenly and caramelize well. Start over medium heat and stir often. This helps to avoid burning. It takes about 15-20 minutes for them to turn golden brown. If they cook too fast, lower the heat. Patience is key here; good caramelization needs time. For the best melt, use cheese that shreds easily, like Gruyère. When you add cheese, do it off the heat. This helps it melt smoothly. Stir it well until mixed. If cheese clumps, it may not melt right. Make sure to keep stirring as you mix it in. You can change the flavor by adjusting herbs and spices. Try more thyme or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you want, add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach. You can even swap in different proteins, like turkey or beef. Be creative and make it your own! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can elevate the flavor profile of the dish. If possible, use fresh instead of dried for a more vibrant taste. Caramelize Onions Slowly: Take your time when caramelizing the onions. A slower cooking process enhances their sweetness and deepens their flavor, adding richness to the dish. Cheese Variations: While Gruyère is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a different flavor and texture. Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} If you want to make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with hearty veggies. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These will add great taste and texture. You can also use alternative proteins like tofu or tempeh. They soak up flavors well and keep the meal filling. To change the flavor, experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar or mozzarella can give a new twist. You can also add sauces or spices. A splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of paprika can add a nice kick. Don’t be afraid to mix things up! This dish pairs well with side salads or garlic bread. You can also transform it into a casserole for gatherings. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the bake time. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family! To store your French Onion Chicken Orzo Bake, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. Always label your container with the date. This way, you can track freshness easily. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Cut the bake into portions before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This keeps the dish safe for up to three months. For best quality, eat it within this time. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. This helps keep it moist. If using the microwave, reheat in short bursts to avoid dryness. Stir occasionally for even heating. Enjoy your dish warm and cheesy! Yes, you can swap orzo with other small pasta types. Try using ditalini, macaroni, or even a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. You can prepare the dish a day ahead. Make it up to the baking step, then cover and chill. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time. If you don’t have Gruyère, try Swiss cheese or mozzarella. Both melt well and add a nice flavor. You can also use cheddar for a sharper taste. Absolutely! You can add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the onions to bring out their flavor. This adds nutrition and color to your dish. The dish is done when the top is golden and bubbly. You can check by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out hot. Let it cool a bit before serving. This dish combines orzo, chicken, and cheese for a tasty meal. You learned how to cook and bake it perfectly. I shared tips on making it even better and offered variations for you to try. Store leftovers right and enjoy them later. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Feel free to change flavors and ingredients. Now, get in the kitchen and start cooking your new favorite dish!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Bake

A comforting and cheesy baked dish featuring orzo pasta, caramelized onions, and shredded chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the cooked chicken, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the pan. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the Gruyère cheese, mixing until melted and combined.
  • Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of Gruyère cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.

Notes

Let the dish cool slightly before serving for better texture.
Keyword bake, cheesy, chicken, comfort food, orzo