Comforting French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Comforting French Onion Chicken Rice Bake combines creamy soups, tender chicken, and crispy fried onions for a satisfying one-dish meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white rice (substitute with brown rice for nuttiness)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (low-sodium or homemade alternatives)
• 1 can French onion soup
• 1 cup sour cream (dairy-free yogurt can be used)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or Swiss; mozzarella for milder taste, Swiss for nuttier)
• 1 cup French fried onions (divide for topping and inside the casserole)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: In the bowl, mix cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Add 1 cup of French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
3. Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions on top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
• Try Swiss cheese for a deeper, nuttier taste instead of mozzarella.
• Substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt for a lighter or vegan-friendly option.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to enhance the French onion flavor.
• For added crunch, include a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave, stirring halfway for even heating. For best texture, avoid microwaving fried onion topping; instead, add fresh fried onions after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the fried onions on top before the final 5-minute bake for crispiness.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely. Cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack can all work well, offering different flavor profiles. Choose based on your preference for mild or sharp tastes.

Comforting French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 84 reviews

This Comforting French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a hearty and delicious casserole combining tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, cooked rice, and a crispy French fried onion topping. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it offers a rich and flavorful blend of cheesy, savory, and slightly sweet onion notes baked to perfection.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white rice (Substitute with brown rice for nuttiness.)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (Use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey.)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (Low-sodium or homemade alternatives.)
• 1 can French onion soup
• 1 cup sour cream (Dairy-free yogurt can be used.)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Mozzarella or Swiss) (Mozzarella for milder taste, Swiss for nuttier.)
• 1 cup French fried onions (Divide for topping and inside the casserole.)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (For garnish.)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
2. Combine Ingredients: In the mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Incorporate 1 cup of French fried onions along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to achieve a uniform mixture.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the mixed casserole ingredients into the dish and spread evenly for uniform cooking.
4. Bake Initially: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the edges are bubbling, indicating it is heated through and starting to set.
5. Add Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven briefly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of French fried onions on top evenly for a crispy finish.
6. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the topping to crisp up nicely.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.

Notes

• For a healthier option, substitute white rice with brown rice to add more fiber and nuttiness.
• Use low-sodium or homemade soups to control salt content.
• Dairy-free sour cream alternatives can be used to make this recipe lactose-free.
• Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works best for quick preparation.
• To add extra crunch, you can sprinkle additional French fried onions before serving.
• Ensure the casserole is baked uncovered to allow the topping to crisp properly.

Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, chicken rice bake, comfort food, easy chicken bake, casserole recipes