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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 large onions - 4 cloves garlic - Balsamic vinegar - Dried thyme and oregano - Gruyère cheese - Fresh parsley - Sea salt and black pepper The main ingredients create a hearty base for the dish. I use chicken breasts for lean protein. Orzo pasta adds a fun twist and absorbs all the flavors. Onions are key for that classic French onion taste, bringing sweetness when caramelized. Don’t forget garlic; it adds depth and warmth. For seasonings, balsamic vinegar gives a nice tang. Thyme and oregano enhance the dish with earthy notes. Gruyère cheese is my favorite choice. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Garnishing is simple but effective. Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness. Sea salt and black pepper bring out the flavors even more. Adjust these to your taste. Together, these ingredients make a comforting dish that warms your heart. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Start by warming your oven. This step is key for even cooking. While it heats, chop your chicken into small cubes. Aim for uniform size. This way, the chicken cooks evenly. - Heat olive oil in a skillet. - Sauté onions until golden brown. In a big skillet, pour some olive oil and turn the heat to medium. Once hot, add your sliced onions. Stir them often. After about 15 to 20 minutes, they should turn a nice golden brown. This process brings out their sweet flavor. - Combine chicken, orzo, and broth in a bowl. - Incorporate caramelized onions and garlic. Grab a large mixing bowl. Toss in your diced chicken, orzo pasta, and chicken broth. Don't forget the balsamic vinegar, thyme, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Mix it all well until everything is coated. Then, fold in those sweet onions and garlic you made earlier. - Pour mixture into a baking dish. - Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Carefully pour your mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Cover it tightly with foil. Pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. This will help the orzo cook just right. - Add Gruyère cheese. - Bake uncovered until bubbly and golden. After the 20 minutes are up, take off the foil. Sprinkle a generous amount of Gruyère cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven, but this time, leave it uncovered. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. You want it bubbly and golden on top. Enjoy the smells filling your kitchen! To cook orzo just right, start with boiling water. Add the orzo once the water is bubbling. Stir often to keep it from sticking. Cooking it for about 8-10 minutes gives the best texture. Always taste before draining to ensure it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Remember, orzo will continue to cook when mixed with other hot ingredients, so don’t overcook it! To boost the flavor, adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more salt or pepper if needed. A dash of lemon juice can brighten the dish too. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or chives for a different twist. These herbs can add freshness and depth to your meal. You can also use fresh thyme instead of dried for a stronger taste. This dish pairs well with a light salad. A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette works great. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up the flavors. Garlic bread is a favorite choice for many. For an extra touch, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. These add color and nutrition to your plate. Pro Tips Caramelization is Key: Take your time when caramelizing the onions; the longer they cook, the sweeter and richer the flavor will be. Cheese Choices: While Gruyère adds a wonderful flavor, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a unique twist. Broth Matters: Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season it to your preference. Rest Before Serving: Letting your dish sit for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier serving. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for different meats. Beef or turkey works well, too. These meats will give the dish a unique taste. For a vegetarian or vegan option, use chickpeas or lentils. They add protein while keeping it plant-based. Adding veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Spinach or mushrooms blend well and add texture. You can also mix in roasted red peppers for a sweet touch. When it comes to cheese, feel free to experiment. Try cheddar or mozzarella for a different twist. If you want a quicker meal, use the stovetop. Sauté onions and garlic, then add chicken and broth. After that, stir in orzo and simmer until cooked. Another fast method is using an Instant Pot. Simply combine all ingredients and cook on high for about 10 minutes. This saves time while keeping the dish tasty. To keep your French Onion Chicken Orzo Bake fresh, cool it first. Place leftovers in airtight containers. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. If you have a large portion, divide it into smaller servings. This way, you can enjoy it over several days. For safe reheating, use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in an oven-safe bowl, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. To keep the dish moist, add a splash of chicken broth or water. You can freeze French Onion Chicken Orzo Bake for later. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, follow the same oven or microwave methods. Enjoy the rich flavors even after freezing! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just follow these steps. First, make the recipe as directed but stop before baking. Cover your dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it easy for busy nights when you want a warm meal. If you don't have Gruyère cheese, try other cheeses. Here are a few good options: - Swiss cheese: It melts well and has a mild flavor. - Mozzarella cheese: It offers a nice stretch and creaminess. - Fontina cheese: This cheese is rich and nutty, like Gruyère. - Cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. Each of these cheeses will give your dish a different flavor while still keeping it creamy and delicious. Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Here’s how to do it right: - Portioning: Divide the bake into individual servings after it cools. Use airtight containers to keep them fresh. - Storage: Store them in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for longer storage. - Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the oven. This keeps the cheese melty and the orzo soft. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just add a splash of water to keep it moist. Meal prepping makes it easy to enjoy this tasty comfort dish anytime. In this blog post, we explored a tasty French Onion Chicken Orzo Bake. We covered key ingredients like chicken, orzo, onions, and seasonings. I provided easy step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to enhance flavor. We also discussed variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. This dish is simple and full of flavor. You can adapt it to suit your taste, making it a great fit for any meal. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this recipe!

French Onion Chicken Orzo Bake

A comforting and flavorful bake combining chicken, orzo, and caramelized onions topped with melted Gruyère cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • optional fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking when the time comes.
  • In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and set over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become caramelized and beautifully golden brown.
  • Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is aromatic but not burnt.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, orzo pasta, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, oregano, and season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken and orzo are evenly coated with the broth.
  • Fold in the caramelized onion and garlic mixture into the bowl with the chicken and orzo, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined.
  • Carefully pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking throughout.
  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the top.
  • Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, the orzo is tender, and the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  • Once your bake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
  • For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Serve warm with a light salad or crusty bread.
Keyword bake, chicken, comfort food, French onion, orzo