French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole brings together the cozy warmth of creamy casseroles with the irresistible flavor of French onion soup. This dish is a true comfort classic, combining tender shredded chicken, fluffy white rice, and a luscious blend of soups and cheese—then crowned with a crispy layer of golden fried onions for crunch in every bite.
It’s a recipe designed for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a hearty one-dish meal. Using pre-cooked rice and rotisserie chicken streamlines prep, while sour cream and mozzarella (or Swiss) cheese enrich the base with silky, cheesy goodness. The savory kick of French onion soup melds beautifully with the mildness of cream of chicken, creating a flavor that’s indulgent but not overpowering.
One of the best parts of this casserole is the contrast in texture—the creamy interior versus the crispy, golden onion topping. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, yet delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or sharing with a friend in need of comfort food.
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Whether you’re serving this for a casual dinner or a holiday buffet, this French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and flavor in every spoonful.
Servings and timing:
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can 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 and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the French fried onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble:
Stir everything together until well mixed. Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake the First Round:
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Add Crunch:
Remove from the oven and top evenly with the remaining French fried onions.
Final Bake:
Return to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Variations:
- Use cooked wild rice or brown rice for a nutty twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra veg.
- Substitute Gruyère or Fontina cheese for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Tips:
If prepping ahead, assemble the casserole up to the onion topping, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add the fried onions just before the final bake for maximum crunch.
Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy future meals.
