French Onion Chicken Rice Bake
Indulge in the comforting embrace of a French Onion Chicken Rice Bake, a delightful one-pan wonder that combines the savory depth of classic French onion soup with tender shredded chicken and fluffy rice. This casserole is effortlessly rich, creamy, and topped with crispy fried onions, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish designed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table with minimal fuss.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
8 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Combines the beloved flavors of French onion soup with a hearty chicken and rice casserole.
- Incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Features a rich, creamy texture topped with satisfyingly crispy fried onions.
- A fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken, making meal prep a breeze.
- A comforting and satisfying dish that appeals to the whole family.
Ingredients
- 480 grams (2 cups) cooked white rice, cooled
- 480 grams (2 cups) shredded cooked chicken (e.g., from a rotisserie chicken)
- 298 grams (1 can, 10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 298 grams (1 can, 10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) sour cream
- 360 milliliters (1½ cups) shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese, divided
- 170 grams (1½ cups) French fried onions, divided
- 2.5 milliliters (½ teaspoon) garlic powder
- 2.5 milliliters (½ teaspoon) onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before baking, allowing for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked white rice, shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, condensed French onion soup, sour cream, 1 cup (240 milliliters) of the shredded cheese, 1 cup (113 grams) of the French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well-integrated and coated with the creamy sauce.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, then transfer the entire mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Spread it out to form a consistent layer.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes. This initial baking time allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to become bubbly and hot around the edges, indicating it's heating through.
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup (120 milliliters) shredded cheese and the remaining ½ cup (57 grams) French fried onions on top of the bubbly casserole. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the fried onions are crisped.
- Remove the French Onion Chicken Rice Bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or large spoon for mixing
- Oven mitts
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your cooked rice is completely cooled before mixing; hot rice can absorb too much liquid and make the casserole mushy.
- Do not overbake the casserole initially; it should be bubbly, not dried out, before adding the final toppings.
- For an extra layer of flavor, caramelize some onions before adding them to the mix, though this will increase prep time.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère for an authentic French onion flavor profile.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this allows the liquids to redistribute, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To elevate the depth of flavor, deglaze the pan used to shred your chicken with a splash of dry white wine or a bit of chicken broth, then add these flavorful pan drippings to the casserole mixture.
- Achieve perfectly golden and crispy fried onions for the topping by spreading them on a baking sheet and lightly toasting them in the oven for a few minutes before sprinkling on the casserole, rather than just adding them cold.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Variations: For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry sherry to the mixture. You can also incorporate sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added vegetables.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well before adding the final fried onions. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding fresh fried onions for the last 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute cooked brown rice for white rice, but be aware that brown rice may absorb slightly more liquid and alter the texture slightly. Ensure it is cooked and cooled just like the white rice.
What kind of shredded chicken works best?
Leftover rotisserie chicken is ideal for its flavor and convenience. You can also poach or bake chicken breasts or thighs, then shred them for use in this dish.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole completely, but do not add the final layer of French fried onions. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time, then proceed with the final topping and baking steps.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 450, Protein: 35g, Fat: 25g, Carbs: 25g (per serving, estimated)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (sour cream, cheese), gluten (cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, French fried onions may contain wheat), and poultry. For a gluten-free option, ensure all canned soups and fried onions are certified gluten-free, and use gluten-free chicken broth if making your own condensed soup.
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