French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining savory French onion soup with tender chicken, cheese, and crispy onions, this dish is easy to assemble and satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white rice (brown rice can be used for nuttiness)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (low-sodium or homemade alternatives recommended)
• 1 can French onion soup (key component for savory flavor)
• 1 cup sour cream (substitute with plain dairy-free yogurt for dairy-free version)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (Swiss adds nutty flavor; mozzarella adds stretch)
• 1.5 cups French fried onions (adjust quantity for desired crunchiness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, and sour cream.
3. Step 3: Stir in the shredded cheese, 1 cup of French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
4. Step 4: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
6. Step 6: Remove the dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions on top.
7. Step 7: Bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the onion topping.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Substitute sour cream with plain dairy-free yogurt to make the dish dairy-free.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables and texture.
• Assemble the casserole a day ahead to allow flavors to meld together.
• Use Swiss cheese for a nutty flavor or mozzarella for a cheesy stretch.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the fried onion topping. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for best results.

What can I use instead of French fried onions?

If French fried onions aren’t available, try crushed crispy fried shallots or toasted breadcrumbs seasoned with onion powder for a similar crunchy topping.

French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 90 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, flavorful French onion soup, and a crispy French fried onion topping. This easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for dinner and offers a rich, cheesy texture with a delicious onion crunch.

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Ingredients

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For the Casserole

• 3 cups Cooked White Rice (brown rice can be used for nuttiness)
• 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (use leftover rotisserie chicken for added convenience)
• 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (low-sodium or homemade alternatives recommended)
• 1 can French Onion Soup (key component for savory flavor)
• 1 cup Sour Cream (substitute plain dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version)
• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella or Swiss Cheese (choose Swiss for nutty flavor or mozzarella for stretch)
• 1.5 cups French Fried Onions (adjust quantity for desired crunchiness)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, and sour cream. Stir in the shredded cheese, 1 cup of French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the creamy mixture from the bowl into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
4. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
5. Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole after 30 minutes and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions on top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to create a crispy, golden topping.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to set, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

• Assemble the casserole a day ahead for even better flavor. Reheat gently to maintain the crispy topping.
• Feel free to substitute brown rice for white rice for extra fiber and nuttiness.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra moisture and flavor.
• The choice between mozzarella and Swiss cheese changes the flavor profile: mozzarella provides melty stretchiness, while Swiss adds nuttiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: French Onion Chicken Rice Bake, casserole, baked chicken casserole, comfort food, one dish meal, cheesy chicken bake, French onion soup casserole