Description
This Creamy French Onion Chicken casserole combines tender cubed chicken, savory French onion soup, and creamy Gruyere cheese for a comforting, hearty meal topped with crunchy French fried onions and perfectly baked rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 1/2 cans water (using the empty soup can to measure)
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup crispy French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Turn on your oven and set it to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the casserole.
- Prepare Rice Base: Spread the uncooked white rice evenly in a 13×9-inch baking pan to create a uniform base layer for the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the cubed chicken, French onion soup, and 1 1/2 cans of water into the pan with the rice. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the mixture to enhance the flavor profile.
- Add Cheese and Cover: Cover the entire casserole evenly with the shredded Gruyere cheese. Seal the pan tightly using aluminum foil to lock in moisture during baking.
- Bake: Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Crisp Topping: Carefully remove the foil, scatter the crispy French fried onions over the top of the casserole, then return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the onions become golden and crunchy.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cubed into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- You can substitute Gruyere cheese with Swiss cheese if preferred.
- Use a foil seal to keep the moisture in and ensure rice cooks properly.
- The crispy French fried onions add a wonderful texture contrast; do not skip this step.
- Check the rice tenderness before removing the dish from the oven; add a little more water if it feels undercooked before baking.
