Name: French Onion Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp dried thyme, divided; 1 tbsp avocado oil (plus extra if needed); 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 3 1/2 cups chicken broth, divided; 2 cups Vidalia onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp butter; 3 oz Gruyere cheese, shaved

Description

A rich and comforting French Onion Chicken and Orzo recipe that combines tender seared chicken breasts with caramelized Vidalia onions, aromatic thyme, and creamy Gruyere cheese, all served on a bed of perfectly cooked orzo pasta. This one-pan dish brings the classic French onion flavor to a hearty chicken and pasta meal, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp dried thyme, divided
1 tbsp avocado oil (plus extra if needed)

Orzo and Onions

1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
3 1/2 cups chicken broth, divided
2 cups Vidalia onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp butter

Topping

3 oz Gruyere cheese, shaved

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season both sides thoroughly with salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of dried thyme to infuse flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add one tablespoon of avocado oil. Place the chicken in the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
Caramelize the Onions: In the same pan, add an additional tablespoon of oil if necessary. Add diced Vidalia onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes while stirring continuously. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, then cook while stirring occasionally until the broth evaporates and onions become soft and golden, about 15-18 minutes.
Add Garlic, Thyme, and Orzo: Stir in minced garlic, the remaining tablespoon of dried thyme, and orzo pasta. Toast the mixture for one minute to bring out the flavors. Add the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth and cook orzo for 10-12 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish and Melt Cheese: Stir butter into the cooked orzo for richness. Slice the seared chicken and place on top of the orzo. Add shaved Gruyere cheese over the chicken pieces. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until the Gruyere melts, about 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

Use a good quality chicken broth for deeper flavor.
If Gruyere cheese is unavailable, Swiss or Emmental can be used as a substitute.
Searing the chicken properly ensures a juicy texture and nice crust.
Stir orzo frequently to avoid sticking during cooking.
Covering the pan at the end allows the cheese to melt evenly without burning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French-American