Description
A comforting and flavorful French Onion Chicken and Orzo dish combining tender chicken simmered with caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and mushrooms, finished with creamy orzo pasta topped with melted gruyere cheese for a rich, savory meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the French Onion Chicken
- 3-4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 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 mushrooms
For the Orzo
- 2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Slow Cook the Chicken and Onions: In the bowl of your slow cooker, layer the sliced onions, 3 tablespoons of butter, and then the chicken. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, chopped sage, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the dry white wine and chicken broth, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Prepare the Orzo on High Heat: Remove the chicken and most of the onions from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet. Turn the slow cooker heat to high, then stir in the dry orzo along with 1 cup of water. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, checking for doneness and adding more water if the orzo needs additional liquid. Once orzo is al dente, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese to create a creamy texture.
- Broil with Gruyere Cheese: Arrange the reserved onions from the slow cooker on the baking sheet over the chicken. Dot the top with the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle the shredded gruyere cheese evenly over the onions. Place under the preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Serve: Plate the creamy orzo and spoon the broiled chicken and onion mixture on top. Enjoy this rich, savory dish immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts or thighs based on preference; thighs tend to be moister.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed during cooking.
- If using stovetop method, simmer chicken and onions for 20-30 minutes and cook orzo separately according to package instructions, then combine with sauce ingredients.
- If you prefer a less creamy orzo, reduce heavy cream slightly or omit it.
- Be cautious when broiling to avoid burning the cheese; watch closely during the melting process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French-American