Enjoy a cozy main dish featuring tender chunks of cooked chicken, fluffy white rice, and a duo of creamy soups for depth. This comforting bake is topped with golden French fried onions and melted cheese, bringing a rich blend of flavors and satisfying crunch. Quick to prepare and beginner-friendly, all the ingredients come together in one dish and bake to warm, bubbly perfection. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end for a fresh note. A family-pleasing option perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering classic American comfort in every bite.
French Onion Chicken Rice delivers ultimate comfort with its hearty chicken and rice baked in creamy soups cheese and a savory French onion crunch. This dish comes together fast yet feels so proudly home cooked every time you pull it from the oven. It is the kind of meal that perfectly fits a weeknight or makes everyone at the table feel extra cozy and cared for.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in under an hour with minimal prep
Perfect for using up leftover chicken or rice
Cheesy creamy satisfying textures everyone loves
Single dish means easy clean up
Crowd-pleaser for family and potlucks
The first time I made this casserole was when our fridge was low and the pantry was full. It quickly became a comfort tradition in my house and even the picky eaters ask for seconds.
Ingredients
Cooked white rice: delivers fluffiness that absorbs all the savory flavors. Use fresh or leftover rice for best texture
Shredded cooked chicken: brings protein and heartiness. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds extra flavor
Cream of chicken soup: makes the sauce ultra creamy. Look for one with low sodium if preferred
French onion soup: contributes bold onion flavor and deep savory notes. Canned versions make prep quick
Sour cream: adds tang and helps the casserole stay moist
Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese: provides that gooey cheesy melt. Mozzarella is mild while Swiss adds a touch of nutty flavor
French fried onions: lend an addictive crunch on top. Choose a fresh can for guaranteed crispiness
Garlic powder and onion powder: amplify the savory flavors without extra chopping
Salt and black pepper: enhance and balance all the core flavors
Chopped parsley: offers a pop of fresh color at serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat the oven:
Set your oven temperature to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C. This ensures even baking and the signature cheesy bubbly topping
Make the casserole mixture:
In a large bowl add cooked rice shredded chicken cream of chicken soup French onion soup sour cream shredded cheese 1 cup of the French fried onions garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined for a consistent casserole texture
Prepare the baking dish:
Coat a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with a thin layer of oil or nonstick spray. Transfer the casserole mixture into the dish spreading it into an even layer for uniform baking
Bake the casserole:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. The cheese will melt and the edges become bubbly which signals the flavors have melded together
Add crispy topping:
Carefully remove the dish and sprinkle the remaining half cup of French fried onions evenly over the surface. Return to the oven for five more minutes so the onions turn golden and crisp
Finish and serve:
Once finished take the casserole from the oven. Top generously with chopped parsley before serving hot for the brightest flavor and color contrast
A close up of a French Onion Chicken Rice Bake.
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A close up of a French Onion Chicken Rice Bake. | lilicooks.com
You Must Know
Great for meal prep and reheats well for lunches
Customizable with veggies or other cheeses
Kid favorite with that crunchy onion top
French fried onions are my personal favorite ingredient in this dish. They provide that satisfying bite and finish which always impresses my guests. My son once snuck extra onions from the can before dinner just because he could not resist.
Storage Tips
Leftover casserole keeps well in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge. To reheat simply cover and warm in a 350 degree oven until hot or microwave individual portions. For best results leave the topping off when freezing and add fresh onions after reheating.
