French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake

Cheesy French Onion Chicken Casserole takes less than 10 minutes to prep and also has less than 10 ingredients! This decadent French onion chicken and rice bake is still one of my most popular and famous recipes. It’s a comforting and decadent mashup of French onion soup with roasted chicken!

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!

This French onion chicken rice bake combines two delicious recipes, French onion soup and roast chicken, into a delicious one-pan casserole meal. Better yet, this recipe is great to make ahead or meal prep since it takes 10 minutes to prepare with less than 10 ingredients.

This next level French Onion Chicken has 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?”

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Magical Combination of Flavors: Chicken and rice with French onion soup were flavors and textures that were meant to be together!
• One Pan Masterpiece: A recipe that mixes together all in one pan and bakes while you can takes care of other tasks is a win!
• Quick Meal to Assemble: Requires minimal prep and takes less than 10 minutes to combine before baking!
• Cozy Comfort Food: This French onion chicken with rice is hearty and filling. The warm, creamy and cheesy texture hits all the cozy senses perfectly!

Ingredients in French Onion Chicken Casserole

Scroll down to see the ingredient amounts in the recipe card.

• Yellow Onion: Adds flavor, texture and healthy nutrients to the casserole.
• French Onion Soup: Contains sweet caramelized onions and a rich broth base that adds savoriness and flavor to the dish.
• Broth: Provides the moisture necessary to cook the rice and chicken as well as provides savory flavors.
• Long Grain Rice (see Frequently Asked Questions below): Soaks up and savory juices of the dish and becomes incredibly tender.
• Butter: Enhances the richness of the rice and adds a slightly creamy texture.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the seasonings and a hearty dose of protein.
• Shredded Cheese: As with any cheesy casserole, this adds a texture and an ooey gooey goodness to the casserole.
• Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Gives this dish an intense savoriness and boost of beefy caramelized onion flavor.
• French’s Crispy Fried Onion: Adds the perfect pop of onion crunch.

Tools You’ll Need

• 13”x9” Pan

How to Make French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake

1. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, whisk together sliced onion, French onion soup, broth, and rice.

2. Lay the butter slices on top followed by the chicken. Sprinkle evenly cheese and onion soup mix on top.
3. Cover the French onion chicken tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Remove the foil, evenly distribute the fried onion pieces, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

How to Make French Onion Chicken in the Crockpot

See the ingredient steps below for making this recipe in the slow cooker. This makes it the perfect meal to prep while away from home for the day!

1. Lower the rice volume to 1 to 1 1/4 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.

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.
• There are a lot of flavors that come from the cheese, onion soup mix and French onion soup mix. However, you can season the chicken as you prefer.
• Searing the chicken first 1-2 minutes per side in oil in a skillet over high heat is optional. The bake time should be about the same or 5-10 minutes less.
• You can use homemade French onion soup rather than canned if you prefer.
• Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer dark meat, just make sure the chicken comes to the right temperature at 165ºF at the end of baking. The chicken shouldn’t be thicker than 1/2-inch.
• A homemade version of 1 Lipton Onion Soup Mix packet can be used instead of store-bought. Simply combine 2 ½ tablespoons dried minced onion, 4 cubes regular or reduced sodium beef bouillon, crumbled, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper.
• Adding the French Fried Onions at the end of baking keeps them crispy! Be sure to follow this step.

What to serve with French Onion Chicken and Rice

French onion chicken bake is such a comforting one-pan easy dinner recipe, I love to serve a simple vegetable recipe on the side. Try my honey roasted carrots, crispy green beans, or easy cooked vegetables for a simple side dish.

If you prefer a side that’s a bit more decadent to compliment the richness of the French onion chicken and rice casserole, my prosciutto wrapped asparagus or iceberg wedge salad are both so delicious.

Storage and Freezing

Store French onion chicken casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

It’s best to reheat the casserole in the oven at 300ºF for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave for a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try these Other Casserole Recipes:

• Queso Chicken and Rice
• Southwest Queso Chicken and Rice
• Savory Rice Recipe
• Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe