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One Pot French Onion Orzo with Chicken Recipe

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3.8 from 11 reviews

This One Pot French Onion Orzo with Chicken is a rich and comforting meal combining tender chicken, caramelized onions, and creamy melted cheese. The orzo pasta is toasted before simmering in chicken stock, allowing it to absorb deep flavors alongside classic French onion seasonings. This hearty yet simple one-pot dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that brings warmth and delicious layers of taste with minimal cleanup.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small 1/2 inch cubes)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)

Vegetables and Seasonings

  • 4 cups thinly sliced onions (3 medium sized onions, cut into 1/4 inch thick half moons)
  • ¼ cup chicken stock (for deglazing the pan)
  • 2 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 3 bay leaves
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1¼ cup shredded cheese (3/4 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup asiago)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the packaging and cut into 1/2 inch cubes by slicing into even strips on a cutting board.
  2. Heat the Oil: Place a pan over medium-high heat and heat the olive oil for 2-3 minutes until it shimmers.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pan and cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. If excess liquid is released while cooking, absorb some with paper towels placed in the pan to ensure the chicken browns nicely.
  4. Prepare Aromatics: While the chicken cooks, chop the onions and mince the garlic, and measure out all spices.
  5. Remove Chicken and Lower Heat: Take the cooked chicken out of the pan and set it aside in a small bowl. Reduce the stove heat to medium.
  6. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add butter to the pan along with chopped onions and garlic. Stir with a spatula to combine.
  7. Cook Onions and Garlic: Cook uncovered for 5 minutes to soften the onions and release their aroma.
  8. Deglaze and Caramelize: Pour in ¼ cup chicken stock and soy sauce. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes until the onions darken and caramelize.
  9. Toast the Orzo: Add uncooked orzo, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir to combine and gently toast the orzo for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent sticking.
  10. Add Chicken and Stock: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add 2 cups chicken stock. Cover the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently (about every 2 minutes) to keep orzo from sticking.
  11. Remove Bay Leaves: After cooking, remove and discard the bay leaves from the pot.
  12. Add Cheese and Serve: Stir in shredded mozzarella and asiago cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting one-pot meal!

Notes

  • Removing excess liquid while cooking chicken helps achieve a nice brown crust.
  • Stirring often while cooking the orzo prevents it from sticking and burning.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly develops the deep French onion flavor that defines this dish.
  • Use shredded mozzarella and asiago cheese for a creamy, flavorful finish.
  • This recipe is great for meal prep and stores well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • For a slightly lighter dish, reduce the amount of cheese or use lower-fat cheese options.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French American Fusion

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/one-pot-french-onion-orzo-with-chicken-recipe/