Description
This Comforting French Onion Chicken Rice Bake combines tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, cheese, and crispy French fried onions to create a warm, satisfying casserole perfect for family dinners. With a rich blend of flavors and a crunchy topping, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice (substitute with brown rice for nuttiness)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (low-sodium or homemade alternatives)
- 1 can French onion soup
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup sour cream (dairy-free yogurt can be used)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mozzarella for milder taste or Swiss for nuttier flavor)
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1 cup French fried onions (divided 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: In the mixing 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 evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading the mixture evenly across the dish.
- Bake Initial Layer: Bake the casserole uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the edges are bubbling.
- Add Topping and Continue Baking: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions on top of the casserole and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a crispy topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze tightly covered for up to 3 months for longer storage.
- Substitute brown rice if preferred for added nuttiness and fiber.
- Use dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream for a dairy-free option.
- Mozzarella cheese yields a milder taste, while Swiss cheese provides a nuttier flavor.
Keywords: French Onion Chicken Rice Bake, chicken casserole, comfort food, baked chicken and rice, easy dinner recipes, creamy chicken casserole, French fried onions recipe