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 are great)

1 can French onion soup (key component for savory flavor)

1 cup sour cream (substitute with plain dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version)

2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (Swiss for nutty flavor, mozzarella for stretch)

1.5 cups French fried onions, divided

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

0.5 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded 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.

Step 3: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the baking dish from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a crispy topping.

Step 6: Take the casserole out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Assemble the casserole a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld even better; just reheat gently to keep the crispiness of the topping.

Use Swiss cheese for a nuttier flavor or mozzarella for a gooier texture, depending on your preference.

For a dairy-free version, replace sour cream with plain dairy-free yogurt and choose a suitable non-dairy cheese alternative.

Brown rice can be substituted for white rice to add a nuttier taste and extra fiber.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cooked chicken is fine as long as it’s fully thawed and drained before mixing into the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the French fried onions with a gluten-free alternative or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the crunchy topping. Also, check that the soups you use are gluten-free.