Description
A creamy, cheesy bake blending caramelized onions, orzo, and shredded rotisserie chicken, perfect for weeknight 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 the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
- Add minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes and stir to combine.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for about 2 minutes, letting it lightly toast.
- Add the cooked shredded chicken, dried thyme, and black pepper. If using, stir in Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze. Mix well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and all of the grated Parmesan until melted.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Bake for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter dish, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with flour. Substitute mozzarella with fontina or Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg