Cheesy French Onion Chicken & Orzo
French onion chicken: master this comforting crockpot meal with tender chicken, savory onions, and creamy orzo. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 3-4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- In the bowl of your slow cooker, layer the thinly sliced onions, 3 tablespoons of salted butter, and then the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken with thyme, sage, chopped garlic, and season generously with salt and pepper. Pour over the wine and broth. Add the sliced mushrooms. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the broiler to high. Carefully remove the cooked chicken and most of the caramelized onions from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet.
- Increase the heat on the slow cooker to high. Stir in the orzo and 1 cup of water. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. If the orzo needs more liquid, add additional water. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Arrange the remaining 3 tablespoons of salted butter over the onions on the baking sheet, then top the pan with the shredded Gruyère cheese. Broil for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve the broiled chicken and cheesy onions over the creamy orzo. Enjoy!
Notes
- For the most flavorful caramelized onions, don't rush the process. If cooking on the stovetop, a low and slow simmer for at least 20-30 minutes will yield the best results.
- Ensure chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part.
- To store leftovers, refrigerate the chicken and orzo in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- Ensure chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part.
- To store leftovers, refrigerate the chicken and orzo in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.