French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tender chicken, creamy rice, and sweet caramelized onions, topped with melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice Can substitute with brown rice or quinoa for variation.
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced Caramelize for best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For caramelizing the onions.
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or light cream For creaminess.
- 0.5 cup sour cream (optional) Can substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss-style cheese Use any cheese you prefer.
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) Adds color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become soft and deep golden, approximately 10–12 minutes. Lightly season with salt and black pepper.
- 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.
- Grease a 23×33 cm baking dish generously.
- Layer the cooked chicken evenly across the base, followed by the caramelized onions. Pour the rice mixture over and gently stir to distribute the rice and liquids evenly.
Baking
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 190°C for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the foil, scatter shredded cheese evenly over the top, and return it uncovered to the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serving
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or a splash of white wine while cooking the onions. Adjust the amount of cheese to your liking. Mixing different types of cheese can also add a unique flavor.