Cozy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey
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Introduction

This Cozy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy family dinners. It combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and crispy French fried onions for a flavorful dish everyone will love.

A white bowl filled with a creamy, light beige cheesy rice dish topped with thin, crispy golden-brown fried onions scattered across the surface and garnished with small green herb pieces. The dish has one main layer of soft rice mixed with melted cheese, creating strings of cheese stretching as a golden spoon lifts a serving from the bowl. The fried onions add a crunchy texture contrast on top. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked white rice (swap with brown rice for added fiber)
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (using rotisserie chicken can make prep faster)
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 can French onion soup (low-sodium canned versions work well)
  • 1 cup sour cream (opt for plain dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version)
  • 1 cup mozzarella or Swiss cheese (mozzarella has a milder taste; Swiss adds nuttiness)
  • 1 cup French fried onions (essential for topping; can’t be substituted easily)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 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 gently until everything is evenly mixed.
  3. Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading evenly.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the top starts to set.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with plain dairy-free yogurt and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
  • Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

How to Serve

A creamy baked dish with two visible layers is shown in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of a soft, cheesy mixture with small bits of herbs, creamy white and smooth in texture. The top layer is golden brown, made of crispy fried onions spread evenly across the surface. A gold-colored spoon lifts a portion, revealing stretchy melted cheese strands connecting the spoonful to the rest of the dish. The crispy onions add a crunchy contrast to the soft, gooey cheese mixture beneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.

Can I use fresh onions instead of French fried onions?

French fried onions provide a unique crispy topping that fresh onions can’t replicate. However, you can sauté sliced onions until golden and sprinkle them on top, though the texture will be different.

Print
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Cozy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 55 reviews
  • Author: Julian
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Cozy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting and easy family dinner casserole blending tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, melted cheese, and crispy French fried onions. This one-dish meal combines fluffy rice with flavorful soups and herbs, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with a crunchy onion crust. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s customizable with options for dairy-free, vegetarian, or whole grain swaps.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups Cooked White Rice (Swap with brown rice for added fiber)
  • 3 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (Using rotisserie chicken can make prep faster)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup (Substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) French Onion Soup (Low-sodium canned versions work well)
  • 1 cup Sour Cream (Opt for plain dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella or Swiss Cheese, shredded (Mozzarella has a milder taste; Swiss adds nuttiness)
  • 1½ cups French Fried Onions (1 cup for mixing, ½ cup for topping; essential for the crispy topping)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking once your casserole is assembled.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Add in 1 cup of the French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly combined into a creamy mixture.
  3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Then carefully transfer the mixed ingredients into the dish, spreading the mixture evenly across the bottom.
  4. Bake Initial: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top is starting to set and look slightly golden.
  5. Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the onion topping.
  6. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking to set. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting French Onion Chicken Rice Bake!

Notes

  • You can substitute brown rice for white rice to increase fiber content.
  • Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and omit chicken.
  • Dairy-free options are possible by swapping sour cream with plain dairy-free yogurt and using dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Low-sodium soup options make this dish heart-healthier.
  • The French fried onions are essential for topping to give a crispy, flavorful crunch; they are not easily substituted.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, chicken rice bake, easy family dinner, baked chicken recipe, creamy chicken casserole

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