French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
This French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make one-dish meal combining tender shredded chicken, flavorful French onion soup, creamy soups, and melted Swiss or mozzarella cheese. Caramelized onions and fresh herbs elevate the dish, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
Soup and Dairy
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized, which will take about 10–12 minutes. Once done, set them aside.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long grain white rice, French onion soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a uniform mixture.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Fold in the cooked shredded chicken and half of the shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese into the soup and rice mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour this combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Add Toppings: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top to create a flavorful cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the rice to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the rice is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving warm.
Notes
- Using long grain white rice ensures the rice cooks evenly and avoids overly sticky texture.
- Caramelizing the onions adds a deep, sweet flavor that enhances the classic French onion soup taste.
- If preferred, mozzarella cheese provides a milder flavor compared to Swiss.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole but do not bake; cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed.
- Ensure casserole is covered during initial bake time to keep moisture in for perfectly cooked rice.
Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, baked chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, one-dish meal
