French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe
Introduction
French Onion Chicken Rice is a comforting casserole that blends tender chicken and fluffy rice with creamy soups and melted cheese. Topped with crispy French fried onions and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish offers a delicious mix of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or casual dinner gathering.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- 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.
- Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then spread the mixture evenly into the dish.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 6: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
- Substitute cooked turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, replace sour cream with plain dairy-free yogurt and use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Toast the French fried onions briefly in a dry pan before adding on top to enhance their flavor and crispiness.
- Adjust salt carefully since soups and fried onions can add extra saltiness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, but note that the crispy onion topping may soften. This casserole also freezes well for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh onions instead of French fried onions?
Fresh onions offer a sharper flavor, but French fried onions provide a unique crispy texture and golden topping that perfectly complement the casserole’s creamy filling.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before and keep it refrigerated. Bake it just before serving to maintain freshness and flavor.
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French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish combining tender shredded chicken and cooked white rice with creamy soups and sour cream. Enhanced with garlic and onion powder, it’s topped with melted mozzarella or Swiss cheese and a crispy layer of golden French fried onions. Baked until bubbly and golden, then garnished with fresh parsley, this casserole offers a rich blend of savory flavors and textures perfect for easy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for even baking of the casserole.
- Mix All Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine cooked rice, shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese, 1 cup of French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared mixture into the dish and evenly spread it out for uniform cooking.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Place the casserole uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and the center is set.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup French fried onions evenly on top, then return the dish to bake for an additional 5 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Take out the casserole from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and brightness, and serve hot for best flavor and texture contrast.
Notes
- Ensure the cooked rice is fully cooked and cooled before mixing to avoid a mushy casserole.
- Toast the French fried onions in a dry pan before using to deepen flavor and enhance crispiness.
- Adjust salt carefully since canned soups and fried onions can be salty.
- This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain the topping’s texture.
- Substitute cooked brown rice or cooked turkey if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free yogurt and vegan cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: French Onion Chicken Rice, Chicken Casserole, Rice Bake, Comfort Food, Creamy Chicken Rice, Baked Chicken and Rice
