Easy French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 6-8 people

Weeknight dinner into something special with this amazing chicken rice casserole! Packed with savory onion flavors, creamy cheese, and tender chicken, this one-dish wonder feeds the whole family without any fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell incredible and has everyone asking for seconds.

What You Need (Ingredients)

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 packet dry French onion soup mix
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (divided)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make French Onion Chicken Casserole (Step by Step)

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it with cooking spray or rub a little butter inside so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

Get a big bowl and add your cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, French onion soup mix, mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions. Save the other ½ cup of crispy onions for the top!

Step 3: Season and Stir

Add a little salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together really well until it all looks mixed and creamy. Make sure the French onion mix gets spread throughout.

Step 4: Put It in the Dish

Pour your chicken and rice mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spoon to spread it out evenly so it cooks the same all over.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Top

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of crispy fried onions on top. This gives your casserole a yummy crunchy layer!

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Put the casserole in your hot oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. It’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the top looks golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Take it out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top if you want it to look fancy, then serve while it’s warm and creamy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken: Buy a cooked rotisserie chicken from the store to save time. Just pull off the meat and shred it with your hands.
• Cook rice ahead: Make your rice earlier in the day or use leftover rice. Day-old rice actually works great!
• Don’t skip the crispy onions: They add amazing crunch and flavor. You can find them in the canned vegetable section.
• Let it rest: Give the casserole 5 minutes to cool before serving so it holds together better.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

• Add vegetables: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition
• Different cheese: Try cheddar, Swiss, or a cheese blend instead of mozzarella
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños
• Use brown rice: Swap white rice for brown rice for more fiber
• Add herbs: Fresh thyme or dried Italian seasoning tastes great too

What to Serve With This Casserole

This hearty casserole goes great with:

• Simple green salad with ranch dressing
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Dinner rolls or garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus

Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole is perfect for meal prep:

• Make it tonight, bake tomorrow: Assemble everything, cover with foil, and keep in the fridge. Bake when ready (add 5-10 extra minutes).
• Freeze for later: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
• Batch cooking: Double the recipe and make two casseroles – one for tonight and one for the freezer.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in your fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat:

• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes
• Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
• Add moisture: If it seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating

Perfect for Busy Families

This French onion chicken casserole is ideal because:

• Only takes 45 minutes total
• Uses simple ingredients you probably have
• Makes enough for a big family or lots of leftovers
• Kids love the creamy, cheesy taste
• Great for potluck dinners and church meals

Shopping List Made Easy

Here’s what to grab at the store:

• Rotisserie chicken (or cook your own)
• White rice (or use what you have)
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• French onion soup mix (usually near the salad dressing)
• Mozzarella cheese
• Crispy fried onions (French’s brand works great)

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This casserole is popular because:

• The French onion soup mix gives amazing flavor without lots of work
• Everything cooks together in one dish – less cleanup!
• It’s creamy and comforting – perfect comfort food
• You can make it with ingredients you probably already have
• It tastes fancy but is really simple to make

Great for Any Occasion

This easy casserole works perfect for:

• Busy weeknight dinners
• Sunday family meals
• Potluck parties
• When someone is sick (comfort food!)
• Meal prep for the week

Try this delicious French onion chicken rice casserole and enjoy a warm, cozy dinner that everyone will love!