This French Onion Chicken Rice is the ultimate comfort food! A creamy, hearty casserole made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, savory soups, and crispy French fried onions, all baked to perfection until golden and bubbly. It’s a family-friendly meal that comes together quickly and is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
French Onion Chicken Rice is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crispy. The combination of cream of chicken soup and French onion soup creates a rich, flavorful base, while the chicken and rice make it hearty and filling. The topping of French fried onions adds a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish. It’s easy to make, incredibly comforting, and the leftovers taste just as great, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Components:
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2 cups cooked white rice
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2 cups shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
Soups and Dairy:
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
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1 cup sour cream
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
Toppings and Seasonings:
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1 1/2 cups French fried onions (divided)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt to taste
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Black pepper to taste
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Chopped parsley (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix the casserole: 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 everything together until well combined.
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Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
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Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
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Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of French fried onions on top of the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
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Serve and garnish: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Add Veggies: Stir in vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to make the dish even more hearty and nutritious.
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Different Cheeses: Swap the mozzarella or Swiss cheese with cheddar or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
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Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb version of this dish.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes until heated through. You can add a few extra French fried onions on top before reheating for that crispy crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of shredded chicken?
Yes! You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts, or you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of soup?
If you don’t have French onion soup, you can use onion soup mix combined with broth as a substitute. However, French onion soup provides a unique flavor that is key to this dish.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko and check the labels on your soups and dressings to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Conclusion
French Onion Chicken Rice is the perfect comforting dish for any occasion. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s quick to prepare and easy to serve. With its crispy topping and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or prepping it for leftovers, this hearty casserole is both satisfying and delicious!
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French Onion Chicken Rice
A comforting, family-friendly casserole with tender chicken, rice, creamy soups, and crispy French fried onions, baked until golden and bubbly.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Main Components:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
- Soups and Dairy:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- Toppings and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix 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.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of French fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead by assembling it and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- For extra flavor, you can add some cooked vegetables, like peas or mushrooms, into the casserole mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg