Million Dollar Chicken Orzo: Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

Welcome to a dish that lives up to its name: Million Dollar Chicken Orzo! This incredible casserole offers the ultimate comfort food experience, packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for any night of the week. Get ready to discover your new favorite one-dish dinner, simplifying mealtime for busy parents and beginners alike.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Orzo

This delightful casserole truly earns its “million dollar” title for many delicious reasons. You will adore making and eating this easy dish!

• Quick and easy preparation: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
• Ultimate comfort food status: Warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Rich, creamy, savory cheese sauce: Every bite is infused with a luxurious, flavorful sauce.
• Tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo: The textures are simply divine, making each spoonful a joy.
• Satisfying melty mozzarella topping: A golden, bubbly cheese layer crowns this fantastic dish.
• Crispy French fried onions for texture: These add a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
• Perfect for family dinners and potlucks: It’s a dish everyone will ask you to make again and again.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your luscious Million Dollar Chicken Orzo casserole. You will find most of these staples in your pantry or at any grocery store.

• 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2½ cups chicken stock
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (16-oz) package orzo pasta, uncooked
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
• 1 (2.8-oz) can French fried onions

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this Million Dollar Chicken Orzo to your preferences. For the chicken, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken breasts, or thighs for convenience. Remember, the orzo pasta cooks directly in the casserole with the chicken stock, so there is no need to pre-boil it. For the soup, unsalted cream of chicken or mushroom soup works wonderfully. Look for gluten-free cream of chicken soup options if needed. To control the sodium, always opt for low-sodium or no-salt added chicken broth.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes cooking this creamy orzo casserole a breeze.

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

Creating this delightful Million Dollar Chicken Orzo is straightforward with these simple steps. Follow along for a stress-free cooking experience.

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and chicken broth. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
3. Add the uncooked orzo pasta, cooked chopped chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, and garlic powder to the bowl. Season the entire mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Pour the chicken and orzo mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with your spatula.
5. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Then, evenly distribute the French fried onions over the mozzarella layer.
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps the orzo cook properly and keeps the casserole moist.
7. Bake the covered casserole in your preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes.
9. Continue baking until the cheese topping is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the casserole edges are slightly golden. The French fried onions will become golden and crispy.
10. Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
11. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Serve your hot and comforting Million Dollar Chicken Orzo immediately and enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful hints for your creamy orzo dish.

• Always ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Do not pre-cook the orzo pasta; it will absorb the liquid and cook perfectly in the oven.
• Avoid overbaking the casserole to prevent the pasta from becoming dry or mushy.
• Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper to your preference before baking.
• Ensure the casserole is fully bubbly around the edges, indicating it is hot and cooked through.
• Use unsalted soup and broth to control the overall sodium content of the dish.
• Shred cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded for the best melt and flavor.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your delicious Million Dollar Chicken Orzo with simple accompaniments.

• Pair this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables like tender broccoli, crisp green beans, or asparagus.
• Offer warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Finish your meal with a light fruit salad or refreshing lemon bars for dessert.

Storage & Make Ahead

Make dinner even easier with these convenient tips.

For optimal food safety and to prevent spoilage, it’s always wise to consult USDA guidelines for safely storing cooked chicken dishes.

• Make ahead: Combine all ingredients except the orzo, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the uncooked orzo just before baking.
• Storage: Store any leftover Million Dollar Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or in the oven at 300°F until bubbly.
• Freezing: Bake the casserole, then allow it to cool completely. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as directed.

Recipe Variations

Get creative and customize your creamy chicken orzo.

• Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the mixture for extra flavor and vegetables.
• Stir in fresh spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes during the mixing step.
• Top the finished casserole with chopped green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Experiment with different cheeses, like provolone or Gruyère, for a unique twist.

Nutrition

Enjoying a serving of this comforting dish means you are getting a hearty meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value per serving of Million Dollar Chicken Orzo, based on 10 servings.

FAQ

You have questions, and we have answers about this delicious casserole!

• What is orzo pasta? Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and beautifully absorbs flavors in casseroles. To understand more about this versatile ingredient, explore the culinary definition of orzo pasta.
• Can I use uncooked chicken? No, you must use cooked chicken as it will not have enough time to cook through in the casserole.
• Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare all ingredients except the orzo, then add the pasta just before baking.
• Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Orzo? Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled casserole for up to 4 months. Thaw and reheat for a quick meal.
• What kind of chicken should I use? Rotisserie chicken, boiled chicken breasts, or leftover cooked chicken thighs all work perfectly.
• How do I control the sodium content? Choose unsalted cream of chicken soup and low-sodium or no-salt added chicken broth.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Chicken Orzo truly delivers on its promise of a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal. It’s an incredibly easy recipe that brings maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for any home cook. We encourage you to try this delightful dish and experience the magic yourself. Share your creations and let us know how much you loved this ultimate comfort food!

Million Dollar Chicken Orzo: Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

This comforting Million Dollar Chicken Orzo casserole combines creamy soups, cheeses, and tender chicken with orzo pasta, baked until bubbly and topped with crispy fried onions. It's a rich and satisfying dish perfect for a family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup 10.5-oz
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2.5 cups chicken stock
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 0.5 package cream cheese 8-oz, softened
• 1 package orzo pasta 16-oz, uncooked
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
• 1 can French fried onions 2.8-oz

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• large bowl
• nonstick cooking spray
• aluminum foil
• oven

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, chicken broth, uncooked orzo, cooked chicken, parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the chicken and orzo mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and French fried onions, then cover the pan with aluminum foil.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened for a smoother mixture. For an even crispier topping, broil for the last minute or two after removing the foil, watching carefully to prevent burning.