French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe
This French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting and creamy casserole combining tender shredded chicken, flavorful soups, and gooey cheese atop a bed of rice, all topped with crispy French fried onions. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, delivering a rich blend of savory and cheesy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice (prepared in advance or use day-old rice)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 10.5 oz French onion soup (1 can)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (or a combination of both)
- 1.5 cups French fried onions (1 cup for mixing, 0.5 cup for topping)
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked 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 minutes until the mixture is creamy, well blended, and evenly mixed.
- Transfer and Bake: Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula and pushing it into the corners. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top appears set, no longer glossy or liquid.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the fried onions turn golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached for food safety.
- If the mixture seems dry before baking, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to increase moisture.
- If the mixture feels too wet, reduce baking time by 5 minutes to prevent sogginess.
Keywords: French onion chicken, chicken rice bake, casserole, creamy chicken bake, comfort food, French onion soup recipe, easy dinner, baked casserole
