Description
This comforting French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, savory French onion soup, and creamy cheese with flavorful Rice-A-Roni and crispy fried onions. Baked to perfection, it’s a hearty and easy one-dish meal that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box Rice-A-Roni (chicken or beef flavor)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing)
- 10.5 ounce French onion soup
- 10.5 ounce cream of chicken soup
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Swiss)
- 1/2 cup French fried onions
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside to ensure easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Rice and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the tablespoon of butter. Add the Rice-A-Roni rice (without the seasoning packet) and the diced onions. Stir frequently and sauté until the rice is lightly golden and the onions are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed rice and onions with the seasoning packet from the Rice-A-Roni box, shredded chicken, French onion soup, cream of chicken soup, water, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Add Fried Onions and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes until the fried onions turn golden and crispy.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- You can substitute mozzarella cheese with Swiss cheese for a more traditional French onion taste.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially depending on the saltiness of canned soups and Roni seasoning.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
