Introduction

This French Onion Chicken Rice Bake combines comforting flavors of savory chicken, creamy soups, and crispy French fried onions for a hearty, easy-to-make casserole. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings when you want something satisfying without too much fuss.

This dish shows a white bowl filled with creamy baked rice that is rich and cheesy. The bottom layer is soft, white rice mixed with melted cheese, creating thick cheese strands stretching up with a golden spoon lifting a scoop. The top layer is covered with crispy golden brown fried potato strips and sprinkled with small green herbs, adding color and texture. The background is a white marbled texture, making the dish stand out with its warm colors and gooey cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) 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 to taste
Black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese, 1 cup of French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
Step 3: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then transfer and spread the mixture evenly into the dish.
Step 4: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until it is bubbly around the edges and the top appears set.
Step 5: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions evenly on top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the fried onions turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Take the casserole out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for brightness, and serve hot for the best texture and flavor contrast.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor without extra effort.
Substitute mozzarella with Swiss cheese for a nuttier taste or use a mix of both for variety.
For a gluten-free version, ensure the French fried onions and soups are gluten-free or make your own fried onions at home.
Add a handful of sautéed mushrooms or chopped green onions to the mixture for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. The topping may lose its crispiness upon reheating, so consider adding fresh French fried onions on top after warming.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy, cheesy rice dish topped with a crispy golden-brown layer of fried onions and small green herb sprinkles. The top layer is thin and crunchy, with detailed texture. A golden spoon lifts a large scoop from the bowl, showing strings of melted cheese stretching down from the lifted portion. Under the cheese and onions, shredded white chicken is visible mixed with the creamy rice base. Some creamy sauce spills over the edge of the bowl, resting on a white marbled surface in the background. 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, brown rice works well in this recipe, but since it’s firmer, make sure it is fully cooked and perhaps use slightly less liquid overall if substituting the soups with homemade versions.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the fried onion topping and bake just before serving for best results.