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–+ servings

Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Orzo Bake with Gruyère

A deliciously comforting dish featuring creamy, cheesy orzo baked with tender chicken and caramelized onions, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Onions
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Melted for caramelizing onions
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Used in caramelizing onions
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced Key ingredient for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar To enhance caramelization
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor towards the end of caramelization
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
For the Bake
  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta Toasted for nutty flavor
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken Could substitute with turkey
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half For creamy texture
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère-style cheese For flavor and creaminess
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Use half for mixing, half for topping
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
  • to taste chopped fresh parsley or thyme For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook slowly for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are sweetly soft and golden brown.
  3. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the minced garlic. Cook just until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Toss in the dry orzo and onion powder, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta.
  5. Combine the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and black pepper, ensuring everything is well mixed.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in the Gruyère-style cheese, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella, allowing the cheese to melt.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
  3. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  4. Optionally sprinkle with fresh herbs for garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

This dish can be adjusted with seasonal add-ins like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. Great with a side salad or crusty bread.

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