Comforting French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Comforting French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy family meal. Combining tender chicken, creamy soups, and crispy fried onions, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.

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, combine cooked white rice, shredded cooked 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 blend all ingredients.
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: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
6. Step 6: Take out of the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a handful of sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers to the mix before baking.
• Feel free to substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier note and added protein.
• To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based yogurt and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Use leftover turkey in place of chicken for a festive twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven helps maintain the crispy topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the fried onions topping just before the final baking step for best texture.

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Mozzarella provides a mild, creamy texture while Swiss cheese adds a nuttier flavor. You can use either based on your preference, or even a blend of both for more complexity.

Comforting French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

This Comforting French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a hearty, flavorful casserole combining tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, and cheesy goodness with crispy French fried onions on top. It’s a perfect easy-to-make dish for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, delivering warm, savory flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• 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 (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (Low-sodium or homemade alternatives.)
• 1 can (10 oz) 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 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Topping

• 1 cup French fried onions (Divide for topping and inside the casserole.)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (For garnish.)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, 1 cup of French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to blend the flavors evenly.
3. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer.
4. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the casserole is heated through.
5. Add topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions evenly on top.
6. Final bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the onion topping.
7. Garnish and serve: Take out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute brown rice for a nuttier texture and added fiber.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey to save time on cooking the chicken.
• For a dairy-free version, replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt and choose a vegan cheese alternative.
• Low-sodium or homemade soups can reduce overall salt content.
• Keep an eye on the top during the final baking stage to prevent over-browning of the fried onions.

Keywords: French Onion Chicken Rice Bake, chicken casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, baked chicken dish, cheesy chicken bake