Introduction
French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is a warm, creamy, and savory dish that combines the deep, caramelized flavor of French onion soup with tender shredded chicken, creamy rice, and a cheesy topping. It’s comfort food at its finest — perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. The blend of creamy chicken soup and rich French onion flavors makes every bite irresistible.
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Ingredients
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and Gruyère for authenticity)
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
• Salt & pepper to taste
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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, uncooked rice, and chicken broth. Stir until well blended.
3. Add Chicken
Fold in the shredded chicken, mixing until evenly distributed.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Bake the First Round
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Cheese & Onion Topping
Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, then scatter crispy fried onions.
7. Final Bake
Return to oven, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the onions are golden and crispy.
8. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
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Methods
This casserole uses baking as its primary cooking method. The first covered bake ensures the rice absorbs the liquid and flavors, while the second uncovered bake crisps the topping and melts the cheese. Using pre-cooked shredded chicken saves time and prevents overcooking.
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History
The roots of this dish combine French culinary tradition and American comfort food. French onion soup, famous for its caramelized onions and broth base, originated in France in the 18th century. The idea of combining it with creamy chicken rice casserole likely came from American home cooks in the mid-20th century, who loved using canned soups to create hearty, oven-baked meals.
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Benefits
• Time-Saving: Uses pre-cooked chicken and canned soups.
• Flavorful: Combines rich onion broth with creamy textures.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Works for family gatherings or parties.
• Customizable: You can add mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.
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Formation
The casserole is layered in one dish — starting with a rice and soup mixture as the base, followed by chicken, then topped with cheese and crispy onions. This layered format ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
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Conclusion
French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal — creamy, savory, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, bakes in one pan, and fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of onions, chicken, and cheese.
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Lovers
This recipe is adored by:
• Families who love hearty, home-style dinners.
• Busy cooks looking for a make-ahead meal.
• Cheese lovers who appreciate gooey, melted toppings.
• Fans of French onion soup who want it in a more filling form.