This French Onion Chicken and Orzo is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, caramelized onions, and creamy mozzarella cheese with the richness of French onion soup and a touch of wine. It’s a perfect meal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. With its blend of savory flavors and simple prep, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The orzo cooks right in the baking dish, soaking up all the rich flavors.
French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe
I LOVE a good easy pasta recipe, and this one is so easy to make and is packed full of some of my favorite flavors. We use a can of French Onion Soup to really amp things up and make it that much easier to throw together. If you don’t want to use canned soup, you can sub in homemade French onion soup for all of the liquid the recipe calls for instead. That would definitely be better. But sometimes those convenience items really make the difference between being able to put something on the table YOU made and reaching for the phone to order takeout. We’re not judging here.
One thing I would NOT recommend skipping is the homemade caramelized onions. They add so much to the dish, you won’t regret taking the time to slowly caramelize the onions!
Enjoy this with one of these Mini Beer Shots from A Nerd Cooks!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Rich and Savory: Combines the depth of French onion soup with cheesy, buttery chicken.
- One-Dish Convenience: Everything cooks in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup.
- Customizable: The red wine is optional, and you can adjust the flavors to your liking.
- Perfect Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor for a satisfying meal.
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Baked French Onion Orzo Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the grocery store or if you have all the ingredients you need for this? Check out this list! For the full ingredients list, including the amounts you’ll need, make sure to scroll to the bottom and view the recipe card.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Butter
- Large Onion
- Orzo
- Campbell’s French Onion Soup
- Water
- White Wine
- Red Wine (Optional)
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Parsley
How to make Baked French Onion Orzo
Looking to see what you’re getting into here? Below is a general overview of the recipe steps. When you’re cooking, make sure to use the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full instructions.
Recipe Overview
- Season and Sear: Cut and season the chicken, then brown in butter.
- Caramelize the Onions: Slowly cook sliced onions until golden and rich in flavor.
- Assemble the Dish: Combine browned chicken, uncooked orzo, French onion soup, water, and wine in a baking dish. Top with caramelized onions.
- Bake: Cook in the oven until the orzo absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
- Finish with Cheese: Top with mozzarella during the final 15 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
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FAQs
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to account for the chilled ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
You can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts for added juiciness. Use vegetable broth in place of wine for a non-alcoholic version.
Serve This With
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Warm garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
- Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
This French Onion Chicken and Orzo recipe combines practicality with indulgence, offering layers of rich flavors in an easy-to-make dish. It’s a versatile option for any occasion, delivering restaurant-quality results from the comfort of your kitchen.
PIN FOR LATER!
French Onion Chicken and Orzo
This incredibly flavorful French Onion Orzo is delicious, satisfying, and so easy to make!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 can Campbell's French Onion Soup
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional, but delicious)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breast and let brown on all sides. It does not have to be completely cooked. Once browned, remove from pan and add to an over-safe baking dish that has been prepped with cooking spray.
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add in your sliced onion. Let it caramelize, slowly, stirring frequently, until they are fully caramelized.
- Add the uncooked orzo to your baking dish along with the chicken. Add in the canned soup, water, and both wines. Top with the caramelized onions.
- Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and let cook for 30-45 minutes, or until the orzo is soft and the liquid is absorbed.
- Top with the mozzarella cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 381Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 604mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 25g