French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole (Print Version)
Savory chicken, caramelized onions, and cheesy rice combine for a cozy, flavorful oven-baked meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
02 -
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 -
2 cups chicken broth
06 -
1 cup whole milk or light cream
07 -
0.5 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
08 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
10 -
Salt, to taste
11 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss-style cheese
13 -
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and deep golden, approximately 10–12 minutes. Lightly season with salt and black pepper.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk or cream, sour cream if using, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
03 -
Grease a 23x33 cm baking dish generously. Layer cooked chicken evenly across base, followed by the caramelized onions. Pour rice mixture over and gently stir to distribute rice and liquids evenly.
04 -
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 190°C for 45–50 minutes, or until rice is tender and most liquid has absorbed.
05 -
Remove foil, scatter shredded cheese evenly over the top, and return uncovered to the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
06 -
Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes prior to serving. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
Slice onions very thinly for even caramelization and optimal flavor development.
02 -
Tightly seal foil during baking to ensure rice cooks through and texture remains creamy.
03 -
Let the finished dish rest before serving to help flavors meld and the casserole set.
04 -
To save time, rotisserie chicken may be substituted for cooked chicken.
05 -
This dish reheats well and is suitable for meal prep and freezing.