French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole! It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness, with a satisfying crunch from the fried onions. The creamy soups give the dish an extra layer of flavor, while the cooked chicken makes it a one-pan meal. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special family gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1½ cups French fried onions, divided
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
3. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until evenly distributed.
4. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese and 1 cup of the French fried onions.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
8. In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions on top to get them crispy.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and replace it with additional vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, to create a hearty vegetarian casserole.
• Add more veggies: For an extra boost of nutrients, try adding frozen peas, carrots, or spinach to the casserole mix.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

FAQs

How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook it, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled temperature.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice will work in place of white rice, though it may require a slightly longer cooking time. Be sure to cook the brown rice fully before adding it to the casserole.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap the mozzarella or Swiss for cheddar, provolone, or a cheese of your choice. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will change the flavor profile slightly.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

This casserole is not naturally gluten-free, as it contains cream of chicken soup and French onion soup, which may have gluten. You can use gluten-free versions of both soups to make it gluten-free.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until heated through.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe as it’s already cooked and shredded, saving you time. It also adds great flavor to the casserole.

How do I make this casserole less creamy?

If you prefer a less creamy casserole, you can reduce the amount of sour cream or substitute it with Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream.

Can I add more French fried onions?

Yes, you can add more French fried onions if you love the crunch! You can increase the amount to 2 cups or more if desired.

How do I make the casserole crispy on top?

To get a crispy top, bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add the French fried onions in the last 5 minutes of baking to ensure they stay crispy.

Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own cream of chicken soup, just ensure it’s the right consistency and flavor to blend well with the French onion soup.

Conclusion

French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture. With its cheesy, creamy goodness and crunchy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable, and great for leftovers, making it a meal that’s both delicious and practical.

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