French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Chicken Rice is a comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and fragrant French fried onions over a bed of fluffy rice. This easy-to-make dish bakes to bubbly perfection with a golden crunchy topping, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1½ cups French fried onions, divided
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, 1 cup of French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
3. Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the mixture evenly into the dish and spread it out.
4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For best texture, use fully cooked and chilled rice to avoid a mushy casserole.
• Substitute mozzarella with Swiss cheese for a slightly nuttier flavor.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. For best texture, add fresh French fried onions on top after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but since it is firmer and has a longer cooking time, make sure it is fully cooked and cooled before mixing to maintain a good texture.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

This casserole can be frozen before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding the French fried onions during the final 5 minutes of baking.

French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

French Onion Chicken Rice is a comforting casserole combining tender shredded chicken, flavorful French onion soup, creamy sour cream, mozzarella cheese, and crispy French fried onions atop a bed of fluffy white rice. Baked to bubbling perfection with a golden crunchy topping, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Components

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie)

Soups and Dairy

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

Toppings and Seasonings

• 1½ cups French fried onions, divided
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, 1 cup of French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then transfer the mixture evenly into the dish.
4. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
5. Add Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup French fried onions over the top.
6. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the French fried onions turn golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot for a delicious meal.

Notes

• Ensure rice is fully cooked and chilled before mixing to avoid a mushy casserole texture.
• You can use either mozzarella or Swiss cheese according to your preference.
• Check soup cans for allergens if you have dietary restrictions.
• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cooked chicken breast shredded finely.

Keywords: French Onion Chicken Rice, chicken casserole, baked chicken rice, comfort food, easy casserole, French onion soup recipe