Cozy 6-Ingredient French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole

Some recipes are like a hug from your grandma—warm, a little nostalgic, and impossible not to love. French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole falls firmly into that category. With only six pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish delivers big flavors without big effort.

We’re talking tender chicken, creamy rice, and that rich French onion flavor that makes your whole kitchen smell like you’ve been simmering something fancy all day. But here’s the truth: you just stirred a few things together and let the oven do the heavy lifting.

This is the casserole you pull out for chilly evenings, Sunday suppers, or those nights when you want dinner to basically cook itself while you finally fold that laundry. Bonus: it reheats like a dream, so lunch tomorrow is already handled.

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Why You’ll Love This French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole

• Minimal effort, maximum comfort
• Just 6 simple ingredients
• Freezer-friendly for future you
• Family-approved (even picky eaters come back for seconds)
• Makes your house smell like a five-star bistro

If you love easy chicken dinners, you’ll also enjoy our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Bake for a one-pan weeknight wonder.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can French onion soup
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (optional, for topping)
• 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Mix the base – In a large bowl, stir together cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, and rice until well combined.
3. Add chicken – Fold in the shredded chicken so it’s evenly distributed.
4. Assemble – Spread mixture evenly in the baking dish.
5. Cheesy topping (optional) – Sprinkle with mozzarella or Swiss for extra indulgence.
6. Bake – Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until rice is tender.
7. Finish – Remove foil. For a golden top, broil 2–3 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.

If you’re new to casseroles, Allrecipes’ guide to baking the perfect casserole is a helpful reference.

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep time in half.
• Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder for extra depth.
• If rice isn’t tender after baking, cover and bake an extra 5–10 minutes.

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Bake It With the Littles

Have the kids sprinkle cheese before baking—it’s safe, fun, and gives them “ownership” over dinner. You’d be surprised how much more likely they are to eat something they helped make.

For more family-friendly kitchen ideas, check out Bon Appétit’s tips for cooking with kids.

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Meal-Prep Magic

• Assemble the casserole in the morning, refrigerate, and bake at dinner time.
• Freeze unbaked casseroles for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before baking.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

• Use brown rice (but increase bake time by 15–20 minutes).
• Substitute low-fat cream of chicken soup.
• Add a bag of frozen mixed veggies for more nutrients.

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Leftover Remix

• Stuffed Peppers – Fill halved bell peppers with leftovers, bake until tender.
• Soup Starter – Stir leftovers into chicken broth for a rich, hearty soup.

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Gift It Like a Pro

Pack in a foil pan, wrap in kitchen twine, and attach a little tag: “Just bake & enjoy!” Perfect for new parents, friends recovering from illness, or anyone in need of edible comfort.

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FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?
Yes, but reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes and omit the foil.

Is it okay to use cheddar instead of Swiss or mozzarella?
Absolutely—use whatever cheese makes you happy.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 3–4 hours, checking that the rice is tender.

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Final Thought

French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and that irresistible cheesy-oniony aroma, it’s the perfect “set it and forget it” dinner. Keep this one in your back pocket—you’ll reach for it again and again.

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