French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole, and this French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole tops the list of my favorites. It’s an easy dish to make that brings together tender chicken, creamy soups, and a rich onion flavor. Every bite reminds me of cozy family dinners, and guess what? It only takes about an hour from start to finish!

What Makes This So Good:

• Flavorful: The caramelized onions add a sweet richness that complements the creamy broth perfectly.
• Cheesy Goodness: A generous layer of melted Swiss or mozzarella cheese on top makes it irresistible!
• Simple Prep: With straightforward steps, this casserole comes together effortlessly.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (300g) cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup (200g) uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 (10.5 oz / 300g) can French onion soup
• 1 (10.5 oz / 300g) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

Smart Swaps:

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom to make it vegetarian.
• Brown Rice: Use brown rice for added fiber; just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: Try a dairy-free cheese alternative for a lactose-free option.

Sourcing Tips:

When selecting your onions, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size, which indicates freshness. For the best flavor, consider using high-quality, low-sodium French onion soup brands.

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Sauté Onions: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Add Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken and half of the shredded cheese until well combined.
5. Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the caramelized onions and the remaining cheese.
6. Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Final Touch: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is tender.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley before serving, if desired.

Pro Tips:

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance; just cover and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready!
• Transport: Perfect for potlucks; simply cover with foil and reheat before serving.
• Re-Crisping: If you want that cheese topping nice and crispy again, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two right before serving.

Variations:

1. Vegetable Add-In: Mix in vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrients.
2. Herb Flavored: Experiment with dried herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
3. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

Serving, Storage, and Reheat Guidance:

Serve this casserole warm as a hearty main dish alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread. For leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through, ensuring that the center reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.

FAQs:

1. 
   

   Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
   Absolutely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully in this recipe for a post-holiday dish.

   
   
2. 
   

   How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Ensure that your soups are gluten-free, and use gluten-free rice in place of regular rice.

   
   
3. 
   

   Can I freeze the casserole?
   Yes, you can freeze it before baking! Just cover it tightly and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

   
   

Dive into this cozy casserole; I promise it’ll become a cherished recipe in your household, just like it is in mine!

French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole

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A warm, cheesy casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and rich onion flavor for a comforting dish.

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (300g) cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup (200g) uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 (10.5 oz / 300g) can French onion soup
• 1 (10.5 oz / 300g) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the cooked chicken and half of the shredded cheese until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the caramelized onions and the remaining cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is tender.
8. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes

Make this casserole a day in advance and store in the fridge until ready to bake. You can also mix in vegetables for added nutrients.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Paleo