Name: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole With Pomegranate Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 500g (1 lb) Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 Medium Yellow Onions, thinly sliced; 200g (1 cup) Orzo Pasta; 2 tbsp (30ml) Unsalted Butter; 2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil; 2 Cloves Garlic, minced; 2 tbsp (15g) All-Purpose Flour; 500ml (2 cups) Low-Sodium Chicken Broth; 250ml (1 cup) Whole Milk; 150g (1½ cups) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (halal-certified); 1 tsp (5ml) Dried Thyme; ½ tsp (2g) Smoked Paprika; Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste; 3 tbsp (45ml) Pomegranate Molasses; 2 tbsp (30ml) Honey (optional); 2 tbsp (30g) Toasted Pine Nuts; 2 tbsp (8g) Fresh Parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp (30g) Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional, halal-certified)

Description

This French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole features tender chicken and delicate orzo in a savory broth, topped with caramelized onions and a vibrant pomegranate glaze. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

500g (1 lb) Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 Medium Yellow Onions, thinly sliced
200g (1 cup) Orzo Pasta
2 tbsp (30ml) Unsalted Butter
2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
2 tbsp (15g) All-Purpose Flour
500ml (2 cups) Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
250ml (1 cup) Whole Milk
150g (1½ cups) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (halal-certified)
1 tsp (5ml) Dried Thyme
½ tsp (2g) Smoked Paprika
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
3 tbsp (45ml) Pomegranate Molasses
2 tbsp (30ml) Honey (optional)
2 tbsp (30g) Toasted Pine Nuts
2 tbsp (8g) Fresh Parsley, chopped
2 tbsp (30g) Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional, halal-certified)

Instructions

Prep Oven & Dish: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a 23×33 cm (9×13 in) baking dish.
Caramelize Onions: Slowly cook sliced onions in butter and olive oil for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Sauté & Sear: Sauté garlic with onions, then sear chicken pieces until lightly browned.
Create Sauce: Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in broth and milk; simmer until thickened.
Combine & Transfer: Stir in mozzarella, orzo, and transfer to baking dish.
Top & Glaze: Top with reserved onions, mozzarella, and drizzle with pomegranate molasses and honey.
Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest & Garnish: Rest for 5 minutes, drizzle with remaining glaze, and garnish with pine nuts and parsley.

Notes

For the deepest onion flavor, caramelize them slowly over low heat. Using chicken thighs ensures a moist and tender casserole.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Bake
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: chicken,orzo,casserole,pomegranate,french onion,comfort food,dinner,easy,weeknight