French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a cozy, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, creamy soups, and a golden, crispy topping. Inspired by the classic French onion soup, this casserole brings all the comforting flavors into a simple, family-friendly bake. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week, offering a delicious one-dish meal that everyone will love.
The magic of this casserole lies in its combination of ingredients. Cooked white rice forms a fluffy base that absorbs the savory flavors of cream of chicken soup and French onion soup. Shredded chicken adds protein and substance, while sour cream and melted mozzarella or Swiss cheese contribute a creamy, rich texture. French fried onions sprinkled on top give a satisfyingly crisp contrast, bringing that signature French onion soup crunch to every bite. Garlic and onion powders, along with salt and pepper, enhance the depth of flavor, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. Using cooked chicken, such as a rotisserie chicken, makes it convenient and time-saving. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty without being overly complicated. The casserole is a perfect blend of textures, with soft, savory layers beneath a crunchy, golden topping. It’s also highly customizable—you can swap in different cheeses, adjust the level of seasoning, or add vegetables like peas or mushrooms for extra nutrition. This dish is an ideal comfort food that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
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
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, flavorful casserole. The soups provide a savory, rich base, while the sour cream enhances creaminess. Shredded cheese melts perfectly throughout, binding the ingredients together, and French fried onions add a crispy, golden topping. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper ensure every bite is full of depth and flavor.
Step-by-Step Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice and shredded chicken. Add the cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, then evenly distribute 1 cup of the French fried onions. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. During the last 5 minutes of baking, add the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions on top to ensure they stay crispy and golden. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect Casserole
Use freshly cooked rice rather than leftover cold rice, which may be too dry; slightly undercooked rice is okay as it will continue to cook in the oven. Rotisserie chicken saves time, but cooked chicken breasts or thighs can also be used. Avoid overbaking to keep the casserole moist and creamy. Stir the soups, sour cream, and seasonings thoroughly to ensure consistent flavor throughout. For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, or peas to the rice mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this French Onion Chicken Rice Bake as a main dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs well with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to scoop up the creamy layers. This casserole is also perfect for meal prepping—store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. It’s a complete comfort meal that can easily feed a crowd.
Variations
Swap mozzarella or Swiss cheese for cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Use cooked quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier variation. Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables. For a slightly spicier twist, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter instead of French fried onions for a different crunchy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze it? Yes, freeze the unbaked casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
3. Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely, shredded leftover chicken works perfectly.
4. Can I make it vegetarian? Substitute the chicken with cooked mushrooms, tofu, or other vegetables and use vegetable soup in place of chicken soup.
5. Can I use different cheese? Yes, mozzarella, Swiss, cheddar, or Gruyère all work well.
6. Can I add more vegetables? Yes, peas, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions.
7. Can I use pre-cooked rice? Yes, but ensure it’s slightly undercooked or reheated slightly to maintain texture.
8. Can I make smaller portions? Yes, use an 8×8-inch dish or muffin tins for individual servings.
9. How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
10. Can I make it spicier? Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Print
French Onion Chicken Rice Bake – Comforting, Cheesy & Flavorful
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy soups, and crispy French fried onions for a delicious, easy dinner.
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining cheese and 3/4 of the French fried onions.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining French fried onions and chopped parsley.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding caramelized onions to the mixture enhances the French onion flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole / Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy soups, and crispy French fried onions in one hearty dish. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potluck meals. With layers of creamy, savory flavor and a crunchy topping, this casserole delivers warmth, satisfaction, and deliciousness in every bite. Serve it hot, garnish with parsley, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal that will delight everyone at the table.