French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that combines the flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken and fluffy rice. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. It’s simple to make and will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is an excellent choice for several reasons. First, it uses shredded cooked chicken, which means you can easily make it with leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Second, the combination of creamy soup, sour cream, and cheese creates a rich and satisfying dish. Finally, it’s a one-dish meal, making cleanup a breeze.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Shredded cooked chicken (Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.)
- 2 cups Cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 packet Dry French onion soup mix
- 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese (Can substitute with Swiss or Gruyère cheese.)
- 1.5 cups Crispy fried onions (Divided; use some for topping.)
- Salt and pepper (To taste.)
- Fresh parsley (For garnish (optional).)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, dry French onion soup mix, shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of crispy fried onions.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste, and stir everything together until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions over the top for an extra crunch.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole
Serve the casserole warm right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. You can also offer extra crispy fried onions on the side for those who want an extra crunch.
How to Store French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3–4 days. You can also freeze the casserole by placing it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the mixture.
- If you like it spicy, consider adding some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
- To make it lighter, use low-fat sour cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
Variation
Instead of shredded chicken, you can use cooked ground beef or turkey for a different flavor. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy.
3. What if I don’t have French onion soup mix?
If you don’t have the mix, you can create a similar flavor by using onion powder, garlic powder, and beef or chicken broth.
French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded cooked chicken Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- 2 cups Cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 packet Dry French onion soup mix
- 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese Can substitute with Swiss or Gruyère cheese.
- 1.5 cups Crispy fried onions Divided; use some for topping.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- Fresh parsley For garnish (optional).
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, dry French onion soup mix, shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of crispy fried onions.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste, and stir everything together until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions over the top for an extra crunch.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
