French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe
French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting casserole that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, cheese, and crispy French fried onions over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. This easy oven-baked dish delivers rich flavors of French onion soup and a golden, crunchy topping, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or casual family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked White Rice (Substitute with cooked brown rice for extra fiber)
- 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup (Can be swapped with cream of mushroom soup for vegetarian)
- 1 cup French Onion Soup (Choose homemade or low-sodium canned varieties)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Consider fresh garlic for a more intense taste)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Sour Cream (Swap with plain dairy-free yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella or Swiss Cheese (Use mozzarella for a mild flavor or Swiss for nuttiness)
- 1.5 cups French Fried Onions (Essential for topping but can be customized)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley (Adds a fresh touch to the presentation)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, one cup of French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir them thoroughly for about 2-3 minutes to ensure all ingredients are well integrated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Mixture: Spread the rice and chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking.
- Bake Initial Layer: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, until the edges begin to bubble and the top starts to set.
- Add Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining half cup of French fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake for Crisp Topping: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Garnish: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly for easier serving. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh touch and color.
Notes
- Substituting with cooked brown rice increases fiber content and nutrition.
- Cream of mushroom soup can be used instead of cream of chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Using homemade French onion soup or low-sodium canned varieties reduces sodium levels.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a more robust flavor.
- Sour cream can be swapped with plain dairy-free yogurt to lighten the dish.
- French fried onions add essential crispiness; you can adjust quantities or use homemade crispy onions as a substitute.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey works well to save cooking time.
- Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving to help it set and improve slicing.
Keywords: French Onion Chicken Bake, Chicken Casserole, Rice Bake, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe
