Name: French Onion Chicken Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe·5 from 6 reviews

Let me introduce you to a dish that’s become an absolute weeknight staple in my own home: French Onion Chicken Rice. Picture this—a bubbling, cheesy casserole that fuses the deep, rich flavors of classic French onion soup with juicy chicken and cozy rice. Each bite is loaded with crispy fried onions, gooey cheese, and an irresistibly creamy sauce, making it just the kind of dish everyone comes running for at dinnertime. Whether you’re serving family or friends, French Onion Chicken Rice always brings delicious comfort straight to the table.

French Onion Chicken Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of French Onion Chicken Rice is how these simple, familiar ingredients combine into something extraordinary. Each brings its own touch—whether it’s creaminess, savory depth, or a satisfying crunch—and you probably have most of them on hand already!

Cooked white rice: For structure and heartiness; use day-old rice if you have it for the perfect texture.
Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders for saving time and packing in flavor.
Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and helps hold the casserole together with a comforting base.
French onion soup: The key to that signature depth and a little sweetness—don’t skip it!
Sour cream: For silkiness and a gentle tang that lightens everything up.
Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese: Melty, stringy goodness—Swiss will give you more savory punch, mozzarella a smoother melt.
French fried onions, divided: These bring the crunch and unmistakable oniony flavor, both inside and on top.
Garlic powder: Just the right hint of garlicky warmth throughout.
Onion powder: Elevates the savory factor without overwhelming the dish.
Salt: Add to taste, especially if your soups aren’t super salty.
Black pepper: A must for a little background heat and balance.
Chopped parsley for garnish: Bright green color and a fresh finish make every serving feel restaurant-worthy.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Rice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you do anything else, crank your oven up to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot so your casserole gets bubbly and golden in all the right places!

Step 2: Mix Up the Magic

In your biggest mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded chicken, both soups, sour cream, shredded cheese, one cup of the French fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well incorporated and looks deliciously combined—don’t worry, it’s supposed to be a little messy!

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray—this keeps your French Onion Chicken Rice casserole from sticking and ensures you get all that gooey goodness onto your plate.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Pour the whole mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes; you’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling energetically around the edges.

Step 5: Add the Crunch

Open the oven, sprinkle the remaining half cup of French fried onions over the top, and slide it back in for another five minutes. This quick blast crisps up the onions into a golden, tantalizing crust.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your French Onion Chicken Rice is out of the oven, shower the top with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before digging in—the cheesy, creamy layers will settle just enough for perfect scooping!

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Rice

Garnishes

A simple sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley adds a lively color contrast and a delicate herbal note. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra crispy onions or even a light grating of Parmesan on top will wow your guests every time.

Side Dishes

This casserole is already hearty, but serving it with a fresh leafy salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli brings a welcome balance. Warm, crusty bread also pairs perfectly for scooping up every bit of that savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special twist, spoon French Onion Chicken Rice into individual ramekins before baking for personalized servings. If you’re entertaining, tuck the casserole inside hollowed bell peppers or baked potatoes for a fun and beautiful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. French Onion Chicken Rice keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days—just make sure those crispy onions are tucked under some of the casserole to prevent them from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze French Onion Chicken Rice. Wrap tightly with foil or use a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, hold off on adding the final layer of fried onions until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until hot throughout, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave single portions, but baked is best if you want those fried onions to stay crisp!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or another grain?

Absolutely! Brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa can be swapped in for a nuttier flavor and extra nutrition. Just make sure whatever grain you use is fully cooked and cooled before mixing in.

Is it possible to make French Onion Chicken Rice ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for about 30 minutes, then proceed as directed.

What can I use instead of canned French onion soup?

If you don’t have canned French onion soup, try sautéing sliced onions until deeply caramelized and mixing them with a bit of beef broth for a tasty homemade substitute.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, cooked lentils, or even a can of chickpeas, and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

The secret is fully cooking and chilling the rice before using it. Day-old rice holds its shape and absorbs just the right amount of flavor without getting too soft.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s loaded with comfort and sure to impress everyone around the table, give French Onion Chicken Rice a whirl. The flavors are rich, the texture is divine, and you’ll love how easy it is to make. When you need that perfect crowd-pleaser or just want to treat yourself, this casserole never disappoints!