Description
A comforting and hearty dish combining caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for families or satisfying dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, and salt; cook for 20–25 minutes until caramelized.
- Stir in minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes.
- Add orzo and cook for 2 minutes, then add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
- Mix well, then pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth, and feel free to add veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg