French Onion Chicken Rice Bake
A comforting and creamy casserole combining chicken, rice, caramelized onions, and French onion soup, topped with melted cheese for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 cups cooked rice Use white rice or brown rice for added fiber
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Leftover rotisserie or poached chicken can be used
For the Mix
- 1 cup French onion soup Choose gluten-free version if necessary
- 1 cup sautéed onions Caramelize onions until golden
- 1/2 cup sour cream Substitutable with plain Greek yogurt
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust according to preference
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For greasing or finishing
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., Swiss or mozzarella) Use more for an extra cheesy bake
- to taste chopped parsley For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, French onion soup, half of the shredded cheese, sautéed onions, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until evenly combined.
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil and transfer the mixture into the dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving.
Notes
For additional variations, consider adding red pepper flakes for spice or using part-skim mozzarella for a lighter dish. This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.