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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking once your casserole is assembled.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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