There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bubbling casserole fresh from the oven, especially when it’s brimming with creamy, savory goodness. French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is everything you love about classic French onion soup, all wrapped up with juicy chicken and fluffy rice. Imagine your kitchen filling up with the irresistible aroma of caramelized onions and melted cheese—a surefire way to bring the family running to the table! Fun fact: This casserole became a weeknight favorite in my house when my picky eater declared it “better than pizza.” It’s a dish designed for busy families, thanks to its easy prep and crowd-pleasing flavors. If you’ve swooned over my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake, you’ll fall head over heels for this French onion twist. So grab your baking dish and get ready—dinner’s about to become the highlight of your week!
What is French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole?
Ever wondered why it’s called French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole? It’s almost like the dish couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be a soup or a bake—so it chose both! The name is a playful homage to the classic French onion soup, with the scrumptious addition of juicy chicken and filling rice. You get all the rich, beefy onion flavor, now in an effortless all-in-one meal. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach… but let’s be honest, this casserole will win over just about anyone! Are you curious enough now? Gather those spoons and give it a try—or risk serious dinner envy at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This
Prepare to fall in love with a casserole that checks all the boxes: it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with French onion flavor in every bite. The main highlight is how perfectly the savory French onion blend mixes with the tenderness of chicken and fluffy rice. Making this at home is not only easy, but it’s also much more cost-effective than picking up prepared dishes from the deli. Plus, those crispy fried onions and gooey mozzarella on top take each forkful to the next level—don’t be surprised if someone licks their plate! If you enjoyed my Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole, this recipe will surely find a spot in your regular meal rotation. Ready to make your own kitchen the coziest spot on the block? Try this casserole tonight and taste the magic yourself!
How to Make
Quick Overview
French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is a breeze to make and irresistibly delicious—a weeknight dinner made easy! With just one bowl, a few pantry staples, and 10 minutes of prep time, this casserole is ready for the oven before you know it. It boasts layers of savory chicken, fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and those signature crispy onions. In less than 45 minutes, you can have a hot, bubbling casserole that tastes like hours of effort went into it!
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 packet dry French onion soup mix
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (divided)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, dry French onion soup mix, shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of crispy fried onions.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste, and stir everything together until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions over the top for an extra crunch.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve With
French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is a hearty main course, so pair it with lighter, fresh sides for balance. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette brings brightness to every bite. For a cozy meal, serve alongside steamed green beans, honey-glazed carrots, or roasted asparagus. If you want even more flavor, add a side of garlic bread or buttered rolls to soak up the rich, creamy sauce. For drinks, iced tea or a fruity white wine make great companions.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- For a twist, swap mozzarella for Swiss or Gruyère cheese to boost the casserole’s French onion flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra veggie punch.
- Don’t skip the crispy fried onions—they add fantastic texture!
- If you prefer a lighter casserole, use reduced-fat sour cream and low-fat cheese, but avoid fat-free for best results.
- Taste before adding salt; the soup mix can be salty.
- If preparing in advance, assemble the casserole but wait to add the final crispy onions until right before baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole keeps beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes until heated through. If freezing, cool the casserole completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best results, add a handful of fresh crispy onions after reheating to bring back the signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice works well. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before mixing it in.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Wait to top with the crispy onions until right before baking to keep them crunchy.
What type of chicken should I use?
Any cooked chicken works—rotisserie, poached, or leftover grilled chicken are all delicious options!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the whole dish securely and freeze for up to two months.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free due to the soup and fried onions, but you can use gluten-free substitutes for both to easily adapt it.
Conclusion
French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with the beloved flavors of French onion soup in a simple, family-friendly bake. With minimal prep, budget-friendly ingredients, and irresistible texture, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping lunches, or simply treating yourself, this casserole is a must-try. Let it become your new go-to dinner and share the comfort with someone you love! And don’t forget to explore other cozy classics on my blog for even more mealtime inspiration.
French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded cooked chicken Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- 2 cups Cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 packet Dry French onion soup mix
- 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese Can substitute with Swiss or Gruyère cheese.
- 1.5 cups Crispy fried onions Divided; use some for topping.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- Fresh parsley For garnish (optional).
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, dry French onion soup mix, shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of crispy fried onions.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste, and stir everything together until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions over the top for an extra crunch.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!