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A skillet of French Onion Chicken Orzo with melted Gruyère cheese and fresh parsley

Amazing French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 585 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra -virgin olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 pound boneless , skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low -sodium beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken cubes seasoned with salt and pepper; sear until golden brown on all sides (approximately 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the sliced onions to the same skillet. Reduce heat to medium and sauté, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes until onions are soft and deeply caramelized. Add a splash of broth if the pan becomes too dry.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dry orzo pasta. Toast the orzo for 2 minutes until it smells nutty and begins to brown slightly.
  • Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the fond (browned bits).
  • Return the chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  • Preheat the oven broiler. Remove the skillet lid and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
  • Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.