French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole

Why You’ll Love French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

This French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food dish with a rich, savory flavor. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy rice, and caramelized onions, all baked to golden perfection. The French onion soup flavor shines through, making it an incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or serving guests, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

3. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the uncooked rice evenly at the bottom.

4. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, then place them on top of the rice.

5. Pour the French onion soup and chicken broth over the chicken and rice.

6. Top with the caramelized onions and shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

8. Remove the foil and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top if desired. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

9. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes approximately 55 minutes to cook, including prep time.

Variations

• Add vegetables: You can add some frozen peas or carrots to the casserole for extra texture and flavor.

• Swap the cheese: Instead of cheddar, try Swiss cheese or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different twist.

• Use brown rice: Brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio.

• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold ingredients.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice requires more water and time to cook than white rice.

What can I use instead of French onion soup?

If you don’t have French onion soup, you can substitute with a homemade mixture of caramelized onions and beef broth for a similar flavor.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I add other meats to this dish?

Yes! You can add cooked sausage, ground beef, or even some bacon for a flavorful twist.

How do I make the casserole creamy?

For extra creaminess, you can stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese along with the soup and broth.

Can I skip the caramelized onions?

While caramelized onions add a lot of flavor, you can skip them and simply sauté fresh onions or use onion powder for a milder taste.

How do I prevent the rice from being too dry?

Make sure to cover the casserole with foil while it bakes to lock in moisture. If it still seems dry, you can add a bit more broth or soup before baking.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the casserole in place of the raw chicken breasts.

Is this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the breadcrumbs and the French onion soup. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free onion soup substitute.

Conclusion

This French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty chicken, creamy rice, and savory caramelized onions. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a family. With plenty of options for customization, this dish can suit any taste or dietary preference. Make it for your next meal and enjoy a delicious, satisfying dinner!