Description
A delightful casserole combining caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy orzo pasta, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 900 g yellow onions (about 4 large)
- 60 g unsalted butter (4 tbsp)
- 15 ml olive oil (1 tbsp)
- 12 g kosher salt (2 tsp)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (~6 g)
- 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5 cm pieces (1.5 lb)
- 340 g dry orzo pasta (12 oz)
- 120 ml dry white wine (optional) (1/2 cup)
- 960 ml low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups)
- 15 ml Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp)
- 10 g Dijon mustard (1 tsp)
- 120 ml heavy cream (1/2 cup) or whole milk for a lighter finish
- 225 g Gruyère cheese, shredded (8 oz)
- 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook until deeply golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
- Brown the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in batches, then deglaze with white wine and reduce by half.
- Toast the orzo: Add orzo to the pan and toast for 2 minutes. Stir in hot broth, Worcestershire, Dijon, garlic, and thyme, and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.
- Combine and add cream: Return chicken to the pan. Stir in cream and half of the Gruyère and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To enhance flavor, add a splash of sherry when caramelizing onions. Substitute chicken with mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg