Creamy French Onion Chicken Orzo for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

If you love the rich, savory flavor of French onion soup, you’re going to love this French Onion Chicken Orzo. It combines tender chicken, caramelized onions, creamy orzo, and melted cheese into one comforting skillet meal.

This is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but is made with simple, everyday ingredients. The onions add incredible flavor, while the chicken and orzo make it hearty enough for a complete meal.

Best of all, everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup at the end of dinner. It’s a cozy meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner.

The Ingredients

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a lean source of protein. Protein helps make meals more filling and supports the maintenance of muscles and other tissues.

Yellow Onion: Onions are a flavorful way to add nutrients without adding many calories. They also contain vitamin C and beneficial plant compounds.

Slowly cooking them brings out their natural sweetness and gives this recipe its signature French onion flavor.

Light Butter: Light butter provides the rich, buttery flavor that works especially well with caramelized onions and French onion-inspired dishes, while typically containing less fat and fewer calories per serving than regular butter.

Garlic: Garlic adds lots of flavor without needing much added fat or salt. It also contains sulfur-containing plant compounds that contribute to its nutritional value.

Orzo: Orzo provides carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy. It also gives the dish a satisfying texture and helps turn the chicken and onions into a complete, filling meal.

Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth: Beef broth gives the orzo a rich, savory flavor that complements the caramelized onions. Using reduced-sodium broth can help keep the overall sodium content lower than using regular broth.

Worcestershire Sauce: A small amount of Worcestershire sauce adds a deep savory flavor to the dish. Because it’s used in moderation, you get plenty of flavor without needing a large amount.

Dried Thyme: Thyme is a simple way to add flavor and aroma to the recipe without extra calories. It pairs especially well with chicken, onions, and beef broth.

Fat-Free Half and Half: Fat-free half-and-half adds creaminess to the orzo without the amount of fat found in heavy cream. It helps give the finished dish a smooth, creamy texture.

Reduced-Fat Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese provides protein and calcium while adding the classic cheesy flavor that makes French onion recipes so delicious. Using reduced-fat cheese keeps the dish lighter while still giving you a melty topping.

Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the finished dish. It also provides small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants.

French’s Crispy Fried Onions: A small sprinkle of crispy fried onions adds incredible crunch and savory onion flavor to this creamy orzo. Because they have such a bold flavor, you only need a little bit to make a big impact. If you choose to use them, you’ll want to add the extra points.

Click here to track the points on your Weight Watchers app. The full nutrition information can be found at the bottom of the recipe card.

How to Make Creamy French Onion Chicken Orzo

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and sliced onions and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.

Add the chicken to the skillet with the onions. Cook another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked through.

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Stir in the uncooked orzo, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Stir in the half-and-half. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until creamy.

Sprinkle the Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

If you’re using the crispy fried onions – Sprinkle the Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the orzo, then sprinkle with the crispy fried onions. Place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the onions are golden and crispy. Watch closely to prevent the onions from burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, although they will have a slightly richer flavor and contain more fat than chicken breast. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Gruyère would give this recipe a more traditional French onion soup flavor, while provolone or mozzarella would also work well. Keep in mind that changing the cheese can change the nutritional information.

Why is my orzo too thick?

Orzo continues absorbing liquid as it cooks and even after it has been removed from the heat. If it becomes too thick, simply stir in a little additional beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Here are some more Weight Watchers friendly recipes:

Creamy Tuscan Orzo

Cheeseburger Orzo One Skillet Meal

Cheesy Broccoli Orzo

Greek Orzo Salad

Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 300 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!