Introduction

French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting and savory casserole perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, flavorful soups, and crispy fried onions, this dish is both hearty and easy to prepare.

A white ceramic dish filled with creamy white rice that is smooth and slightly thick, speckled with small green herb pieces throughout. The top layer is a golden-brown crispy crust made of thin, crunchy fried onions scattered evenly across the surface. A spoon, held by a woman's hand, lifts a portion from the dish, revealing the gooey, stretchy texture of melted cheese beneath the crispy layer. The background is a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright feel to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, 1 cup of French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly for about 2–3 minutes until well mixed.
Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the mixture evenly into the dish.
Step 4: Bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, until the edges start to bubble and the top begins to set.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions over the top and return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, until the onions turn golden brown.
Step 6: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use fresh garlic minced finely instead of garlic powder.
Try substituting cream of mushroom soup to make the dish vegetarian-friendly by replacing chicken with plant-based protein or extra vegetables.
Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to add tanginess and cut down on calories.
Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrients and texture.
Replace French fried onions with homemade crispy shallots or panko breadcrumbs for a different crunch.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the topping crispy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white round baking dish filled with creamy rice topped with a golden-brown crispy layer of thinly shredded fried onions. The dish has a thick, creamy off-white base of cheesy rice mixed with herbs, and a slightly browned, crunchy onion topping that covers the surface evenly. A golden spoon lifts a scoop from the center, showing stretchy melted cheese strings connecting the scoop to the dish, with the crispy onion pieces on top and green herb bits sprinkled inside the rice. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, cooked brown rice works well and adds extra fiber and nutrients. Just ensure it is fully cooked before mixing.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking cold.