Description
Million Dollar Chicken Orzo is a creamy, cheesy baked casserole combining tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a rich blend of cheeses and seasonings. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish features a delicious layer of French fried onions on top, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Liquids and Broth
- 2½ cups chicken stock
Dry Seasonings
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz) package orzo pasta, uncooked
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
Toppings
- 1 (2.8-oz) can French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and chicken stock until smooth. Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, chopped cooked chicken, grated parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with kosher salt and black pepper to your taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the chicken and orzo mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then add an even layer of French fried onions. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil carefully and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding to the casserole to avoid undercooking.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock if you want to control salt levels.
- For a crispier topping, add extra French fried onions just before serving.
