This cheesy chicken and rice casserole takes less than 10 minutes to prep and is packed full of savory, rich, comfort food flavors! Dinner in 3, 2, 1 turns 3 today, and this is still one of my most popular recipes! If you haven’t already tried it, it’s will quickly become a family favorite!
When I was young, one of my favorite meals my mom made was No Peek Chicken, a one-pan entree that is quick to assemble and one of the best set-it-and-forget-it meals. One night when I made it for my family, after some dinner-talk around the table, I knew I could take this dish to the next level!
Next Level French Onion Chicken adds a depth of flavor that is unmatched. The addition of French onion soup, cheese and crispy fried onions will leave the family asking “when are we having this again?”
What You’ll Need
- Yellow Onion
- French Onion Soup
- Broth
- Long Grain Rice (see Tips and Substitutions below)
- Butter
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
- Shredded Cheese
- Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- French’s Crispy Fried Onion
Tools You’ll Need
How to Make this Recipe
- To make this dish, you’ll only need 2 tools: a 13”x9” baking dish and a fork. That’s it. To the dish, whisk together sliced onion, French onion soup, broth and rice.
- Lay butter slices on top followed by the chicken. Sprinkle evenly cheese and onion soup mix on top.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove the foil, evenly distribute the fried onion pieces and bake an additional 15 minutes.
Tips and Substitutions
- It is important that the pan is SECURELY covered with the foil. The steam must be captured in order for the rice to cook properly.
- While it can be tempting to try different types of rice, be sure to take into account the liquid ratio and the baking time. From personal experience, I have NEVER had uncooked rice at the end of bake time following this exact recipe. Folks that have had uncooked rice, I recommend they trouble shoot these items:
- Did you use any rice other than long-grain rinsed rice? If so, the cook time and liquid might need to be adjusted.
- Brown Rice: needs 5-10 minutes more covered bake time
- Minute Rice: needs 5-10 minutes less covered bake time
- Short Grain: not recommended as it becomes too soft and mushy
- Minute Rice: I have not made it with this rice, but I’ve been given feedback that it works great as well. My mom’s No Peek Chicken had minute rice and a similar baking time and temperature, so I would imagine it works just fine.
- Did you cover the dish tightly? If not, there wasn’t enough steam to cook the rice properly.
- Did you change any of the ingredients in the rest of the recipe? If you use less/more/different ingredients, I cannot guarantee the same result.
- Why rinse the rice? Rinsing or washing rice removes that excess starch, resulting in grains that are more separate when cooked.
- Did you use any rice other than long-grain rinsed rice? If so, the cook time and liquid might need to be adjusted.
- The rice can be decreased to 1 cup, if desired.
- You can use boneless, skinless tenders as well. For the tenders, you’ll likely need 5-10 minutes less covered bake time.
- You can assemble this dish up to a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. You’ll need to allow the dish to sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.
- What to serve with this dish:
- Glazed Carrots
- Fresh/Canned Green Beans
- Seared Asparagus
- Side Salad
- Steamed Broccoli
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it.
- This dish can also be made in a Crockpot:
- Lower the rice volume to 1 to 1 ¼ cups. Make sure to use rinsed long-grain white rice. Minute rice will be mushy. Other rice varieties might work, but I cannot speak to them.
- Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup Mix before sprinkling on the cheese.
- Cook covered securely with the lid on HIGH for 2-3 hours. As seen in the video, the liquid will completely absorb and rice will be tender but not mushy. Slow cooker times/temps can vary. Use your judgement on your cooking model.
- Sprinkle the Crispy Fried Onions on once the cook-time is complete.
More Recipes Like This
- Queso Chicken and Rice
- Southwest Queso Chicken and Rice
- 3 Ingredient Savory Rice
- Easy Chicken Casserole
Next Level French Onion Chicken
This cheesy chicken and rice casserole takes less than 10 minutes to prep and is packed full of savory, rich, comfort food flavors! Dinner in 3, 2, 1 turns 3 today, and this is still one of my most popular recipes! If you haven’t already tried it, it’s will quickly become a family favorite!
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 390kcal
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
- 10.5 oz can Campbell’s French Onion Soup
- 14.5 oz can chicken or beef broth regular or low-sodium
- 1 ½ cups long grain rice rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup butter cut into slices
- 2-2 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend
- 1 oz packet Lipton Onion Soup mix
- 1 cup French’s Crispy Fried Onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- To a 13”x9” baking dish, whisk together sliced onion, French onion soup, broth and rice. Disperse butter on top followed by the chicken. Sprinkle the cheese and onion soup mix on top.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove the foil, evenly distribute the fried onion pieces and bake an additional 15 minutes.
Video
Notes
CROCKPOT VERSION CHANGES: #1 Lower the rice volume to 1 to 1 ¼ cups. Make sure to use rinsed long-grain white rice. Minute rice will be mushy. Other rice varieties might work, but I cannot speak to them. #2 Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup Mix before sprinkling on the cheese. #3 Cook covered securely with the lid on HIGH for 2-3 hours. As seen in the video, the liquid will completely absorb and rice will be tender but not mushy. Slow cooker times/temps can vary. Use your judgement on your cooking model. #4 Sprinkle the Crispy Fried Onions on once the cook-time is complete.
Nutrition
Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 18g
Tried this recipe?Mention @dinnerin321 or tag #dinnerin321!
Jessica Chadwick
We love the original and I’ve misplaced my printout. Is there a way to find the original recipe as well?
Laura Ashley
I didn’t load the old recipe onto the new website, but here it is 🙂
1 1/2 cups long grain rice (you can reduce the rice to 1 cup if desired)
10.5oz can Campbells French Onion soup
14.5oz can beef broth
1/4 cup butter, cut into slices
2-2 1/21b boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1oz packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
Preheat the oven to 350°F. To a 13" x9" baking dish, whisk together rice, French onion soup and broth. Disperse butter on top followed by the chicken. Sprinkle the onion soup mix on top, cover tightly with foil and bake 1 hour 30 minutes.
Kaitlin Gunn
This looks amazing!!
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁
Trina Landry
So easy and so good!!!
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!! I’m so happy you made it and it was a HIT!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Danielle Champion
I made this for dinner last night and it was a HIT. Everyone had seconds. The rice is moist and the chicken is tender, flavorful and ridiculously yummy. This will be on the weekly rotation. Thank you 😊
Laura Ashley
This is FANTASTIC! Thank you so much for cooking it and for your review/rating! It means a lot to me! I’m so happy it was a hit with your family and has entered the rotation!
Debra Bartels
Can't wait to try this. It looks absolutely delicious! Perfect dish for my husband who is a rice lover.
Laura Ashley
For sure! He will love it! I hope you do as well!😁
Ashley Baughman
This recipe is one of our family favorites! My husband is always asking me to make it. The first time I made it, I was expecting it to be good. It was more this just good, it’s incredible! Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes!
Laura Ashley
This makes my heart so happy to hear! Exceeding your expectations makes me smile! Thank you SO much!!
D
Can you use sliced pork tenderloin?
Laura Ashley
Yes! Pork chops work great as well!
Tammy
So easy and delicious
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁
Ross Barton
This turned out so delicious! Thanks for such amazing recipes.
Laura Ashley
You’re very welcome! That is FABULOUS!! I’m so happy you made it and liked it too! Thank you!
Angie Hartley
Easy and delicous!
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁
Keri
Love how easy this is! Can the dish be prepared (not cooked) the night before? I’m not sure if this will affect the rice…
Laura Ashley
Yes it can!! You can do all but the crispy onions, and it turns out great😁
Kelli Kantor
Made this this week… perfect week night dinner. We loved it !
Laura Ashley
Awesome!! I’m so happy it was a hit!😁
Chris
Planning to try!
Laura Ashley
YAY!! I hope you LOVE it too!😁
Kandi
Such a delicious meal! Quick to make on those days you’re busy with work and kids. I did add a little heat to eat because we love spicy food. The kiddo asked me to make it again. This one is so easy to make even my son could make it he said.
Laura Ashley
That’s WONDERFUL, Kandi! I”m so happy you made it and that it was such a hit with the whole family!
Bruce F. Boswell
easy to make. family did want it again but I will use minute rice next time with less butter.
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much, Bruce!!😁I’m so happy you made it and the family liked it!
Aj
This is perfect for a Sunday
dinner .
Laura Ashley
You’re absolutely right! 😁I hope you love it!
Mindi Kempinski
I am always looking for new ways to prepare chicken. I love casseroles such as this due to it being extremely easy peasy preparation. Definitely going to try this one!
Laura Ashley
Awesome!! I hope you LOVE it too!! It’s a great easy one for sure!
Niki
This recipe is not only delicious but super easy to make! My whole family loved it. We paired it with green beans and it was a delicious! I will definitely make this again!
Laura Ashley
That is FANTASTIC, Niki! Thank you so much for making it and sharing your feedback! It means a lot to me that it was a hit with you and your family!💕
Bekie
What if I don’t have French onion soup? Can I use cream of chicken soup?
Laura Ashley
You could use instead another brand of French onion soup, beef consommé, or some thinned down cream of mushroom soup.
Carrie Fosher
This looks amazing, cannot wait to try!
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁 I hope you love it as well!
Beth Sine
I’m making this tomorrow!! I just made your Queso Chicken and Rice the other day. Your recipes are awesome!!
Laura Ashley
That’s FANTASTIC, Beth! I’m so happy you made it! I hope you love this one and many more as well!😁
Deidra Garner
This recipe looks yummy! My family loves chicken and I'm always looking for different ways to cook chicken
Laura Ashley
YAY!! I hope you love it as well! It’s a huge hit with my family😉
Rhonda
Can’t wait to try this recipe
Laura Ashley
YAY!! I hope you love it as well!😁
Pamela Freeman
I will definitely make this one-yum!
Laura Ashley
YAY!! I hope it’s a big hit!
Stacey
This looks so yummy! Definitely going to try it and put it in my dinner rotation. Thank you for sharing!
Laura Ashley
You’re very welcome! I hope you LOVE it too!!😁
Gay Oliver
Yum
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁
jody mann
Great recipe! My family loved it!!
Laura Ashley
Awesome! I’m so happy it was a hit!😁
Becky
So easy and great taste
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁
Lana Steen
Looks so yummy
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁
Tammy
This recipe sounds amazing, thanks for sharing! I use to make a similar no peek chicken back in the 80's,
I can't wait to try this recipe.
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁No peek chicken was what my mom always made too. Still a favorite.
Cindy
I can't wait to make this because I know it will be fantastic! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Laura Ashley
You’re very welcome! I hope you love it too!😁
Judy Stogdill
I can’t wait to try this next week! I love that it’s a versatile one dish dinner with a side of veggies. So thankful I found you on Instagram. My favorite site to see most everyday!
Laura Ashley
I’m so thankful you’re here too!!🥹Thank you SO SO much! I hope you love this dish as well!
Fetema wright
A good, different, Thanksgiving meal idea
Laura Ashley
Oh for sure! Great idea!
Sherry Heuing
This looks so yummy. Just added the ingredients to my shopping list for next week.
Laura Ashley
Fantastic! I hope you LOVE it too!!😁
Rick G Chaney
My wife, Kathy, would really like this recipe because she loves the french onions. She will most likely give it a try.
Laura Ashley
Onion lovers definitely love this one! Kathy will love it for sure!
Janet Smith
Love it also suggestions for various types of rice to use and the suggestions for sides to serve with the dish!
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁I had a few last year expressing frustration with the rice not being done, so I wanted to get ahead of it this time 😉
Jennifer Palmer
Looks and sounds so good! Thank you. I enjoy all your recipes!!
Laura Ashley
That means so much to me! Thank you!! 🥰
Raquel
I made this recipe and my family thought it was delicious! The chicken was very flavorful. Next time I am going cut the chicken breast into thinner pieces. I will definitely make it again!
Laura Ashley
Awesome!! I’m so happy you made it and it was a hit!
Phyllis Dennis
This chicken casserole is so delicious and a favorite for our family!
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁
Judy Clark
I can't wait to try this!
Laura Ashley
I hope you love it too!😃
Jayna Gray Manseau
I will be making this for my family
Laura Ashley
Awesome! I hope you LOVE it too!😁
Mary L Merrell
I haven’t tried this one yet but it looks yummy!
Laura Ashley
I hope you do and hope you love it too!😁
Deb
Looks SO delicious! It's what's for dinner tonight!
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁 I hope you love it too!!
Rodney Dennis
This is sooo good!
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁
Jamie
Sounds delicious and very easy!
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁
Lynette
Love meals that can be combined and go in the oven. This is easy and so yummy!
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!!😁 You will love this one for sure!
CARRIE K JOHNSON
This recipe is outstanding! Our whole family loves it, even my daughter who doesn't like onions!
Laura Ashley
Now THAT’S what I LOVE to hear!!😁
Barbara Klinger
This sounds delicious!! I am making it this weekend. I’m always looking for recipes that are quick and good! Thanks.
Laura Ashley
Wonderful!! That makes my heart so happy! I hope it’s a BIG hit with you and your family! 😁
Michelle Richardson
I’ll be making this next week as soon as we arrive in AZ. Staying for the month of February. Ready for sunshine! I have several of your recipes in cue to make once we settle in. Thank you for sharing!
Laura Ashley
Awesome! The sunshine will be good for the soul! I hope you love it as well!
Glenna Dennis
This one I will have to try!
Laura Ashley
YAY!! I hope you love it too!
Tashaa
This looks like something my family would love (yet easy enough for even me to prepare!). Thank you! ❤️
Laura Ashley
You're very welcome!! I hope you and the family will love it too! It really is so easy and yummy! 🙂
Debi Driscoll Powell
I quickly put this recipe together, and into the oven, following every single step written and it came out perfectly!! Everyone enjoyed it, and there was one serving left, and my daughter was thrilled that she was going to be able to take it to work the following day for lunch!
This recipe will be incorporated into our meal rotation for sure! Highly recommend this recipe, and any others from this website. I have yet to be disappointed!! 💛
Laura Ashley
This comment made my heart 100% happy!! Thank you SO MUCH!!! I'm thrilled it was a hit with you and your family! Like your daughter, I always look forward to those leftovers 🙂
Donna
I make mine with chicken thighs. made this for a pot luck brunch I was invited to. everyone like it.
Laura Ashley
That is WONDERFUL! I'm so happy you made it and liked it too! Chicken thighs are our favorite too!
Nicole Taylor
This always turns out perfect every time I make it! My family loves it, and it is a delicious, easy dinner!
Laura Ashley
WIN!!! I love hearing this so much! I love that your family loves it so much and that you've made it multiple times too!
Heather Bowling
Made this for my family and it was a hit! Adding it to my line up 😊
Laura Ashley
That is WONDERFUL!! I'm so happy you made it and it was a big hit!!
Robin Waldridge
Delicious!
Laura Ashley
Thank you SO much!! It's so yummy!
Julia Wallin
This recipe is a keeper!!
So delicious 😋
Laura Ashley
Awesome! Thank you SO much! I'm so happy you liked it!!
Nancy
This dish has a lot of flavor but it is way too oniony and salty! Next time I’ll cut down to half an onion and replace the canned onion soup with water.
Laura Ashley
I’m happy to hear you made it and will make it again with those adjustments 😊
Kristine Wade
We loved this even if I did forget the packet of French Onion. I think next time I will skip the cheese. It was good but not needed. The rice cooked perfectly and fluffed up perfectly. The chicken was super moist. I will make this again!
Laura Ashley
Wonderful, Kristine! I’m so happy you made it and liked it! Those adjustments sounds perfect too. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Sheila Roney
We're not rice people, but the flavor sounds awesome. Do you think I could substitute pasta and, if so, how much?
Laura Ashley
I think the pasta would over cook, but then again, it might bake up fine. I'm not totally sure since I haven't tried it. You could prepare the meat and other ingredients by themselves and serve it over pasta. Since the rice thickens and soaks up the liquid, it will be on the thinner side, so maybe whisking in some flour would be a good idea too.
Aimee
Fantastic! So flavorful! I use basmati rice. Sooo delicious!
Laura Ashley
That's WONDERFUL!! I'm so happy you made it and it was such a hit!! Thank you!
Bobbie
We had high hopes and expectations for this recipe but unfortunately we didn’t care for it and we are onion lovers. For one thing the rice needed salt and probably pepper. Even though I used 1 full cup of long grain white rice that I rinsed several times it still had a gummy texture You would think there would be enough salt in the soups but no, it wasn’t enough. The chicken, well, it tasted like chicken. I cut two breasts in half horizontally and half again vertically because they were large and I wanted to make sure the seasoning would get through them, I also added two boneless skinless thighs because that’s my preference. They should have been marinated. The cheese didn’t seem to lend any flavor and I used Italian cheese hoping for more flavor. I baked it in a stainless steel skillet with a tight lid instead of a 9x13 dish. It sure sounded good and we like every ingredient but it just didn’t hit the make for us. Glad others enjoyed it.
Laura Ashley
Thank you for making it and for the review! It’s been the one of the most popular and liked recipes to-date for Dinner in 321. I always value the time someone takes to make my recipes and share their experiences. As with any recipe, salt and flavor profiles can vary from person to person, and the way we make it is how my family likes it. Some folks argue that it’s WAY to salty…there’s just no way to make it perfectly balanced for everyone. When I make a recipe with the outcome you had, I learn and know how to adjust it to my liking for the next go-around. I hope future recipes better reach your expectations.😊